Merton is one step further in its mission to become London’s first Borough of Sport, with residents now able to benefit from a new tennis coaching offer across 12 park venues, encompassing 49 newly refurbished courts.
The service, delivered by Tennis In Merton, is the result of a competitive tender process, and will see high quality support and training for tennis players of all ages and levels.
The service launches shortly after the completion of an overhaul of tennis facilities in Merton. A partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and funded by UK Government, saw a full-scale refurbishment worth nearly £1million across 49 courts, including resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, and a new gate system. The council has committed to maintaining free access where it already exists, enabling as many residents as possible to take advantage of the facilities.
The successful bidder, Tennis in Merton, is run by Emma Wells – who has delivered coaching on Merton courts under Emma Wells Tennis for 6 years and comes with over 20 years experience globally in the tennis industry and is a triple LTA Award winner, notably winning LTA Park of the Year Award in 2023. The company’s rebranding as Tennis in Merton represents the expansion of the company’s offer, and cross-borough presence.
As well as coaching, Tennis in Merton will also facilitate LTA local tennis league and support the delivery of Barclays Free Parks Tennis across several sites in the borough, an inclusive programme that offers volunteer-led free tennis sessions for all. Tennis in Merton will also oversee court bookings and management on behalf of the council, taking over from Idverde.
In terms of equipment, residents can also rent tennis rackets and balls for as little as £5, thanks to an innovative partnership between Equip Sport and Merton Council, the first on this scale in the UK.
Emma Wells, CEO of Tennis in Merton said:
“Our goal is to provide an open and consistent offer for all ages and abilities on these amazing courts and to build communities of players as well as upskill the next generation of tennis leaders and coaches. It is our mission to ensure that ‘Tennis is Opened Up’ for all and as many barriers to playing are broken down.”
Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage said:
“Merton is the home of the Wimbledon Championships; tennis is in our borough’s DNA. That’s why we’re so thrilled to be partnering with Tennis in Merton to make residents of all ages have an opportunity to develop their tennis skills on our newly refurbished, gold-standard courts.
“Keeping free court access where it existed also makes it easier for residents with lower incomes to access tennis near them. This is all part of our Borough of Sport mission to ensure that everyone in Merton, no matter their background, can access sport and physical activity that works for them.”
View all venues and book here: Tennis In Merton / Home (lta.org.uk)
Read more about equip here: https://equip.sport/locations