Ormskirk Tennis Club to link up with primary schools for lottery-funded project

Feb 14 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

ORMSKIRK Tennis Club has announced a lottery funded schools link-up in the week its bid to expand its site was granted.

At planning committee last Thursday the club was granted permission to purchase a public right of way that runs through their site from the council, allowing an extension of its fifth tennis court.

A concrete wall will be relocated and a hedge row removed, with the existing path diverted onto another path in Coronation Park.

It means the court will meet Lawn Tennis Association requirements, allowing up to five matches to be played at any one time in tournaments.

The club has also announced it is set to forge a link with Aughton St Michaels, after supporting the primary school’s bid for Access For All Big Lottery Fund cash.

The school has been granted £7,922 which will be used to fund a health and fitness based programme including weekly coaching sessions with the club.

The work with the club will include cardio tennis – tennis-based circuit training set to music – for pupils from Year 3 and up.

The school now hopes to involve other primaries in the area in the scheme.

Rob Owens, club chairman, said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with the school on this.

“Cardio tennis is taking off across the country and its a great way for youngsters to keep fit.”

The club is also hoping to find out whether a second bid for Sport England funding for a £10,000 scheme to work with 13-19 year olds at high schools in Ormskirk has been successful.

Rob said: “Working with schools can be really positive and it would be great if we can secure the second grant.

“As for the planning permission being granted it means we can now expand our fifth court which gives us more scope to put on larger tournaments, which is good news too.”

Aughton St Michael’s head teacher, Fiona Cottam, said: “We’re always looking for ways to promote participation in sport and this strengthens our link with the tennis club.”