Brodick Tennis Club seeks funding to be able to offer a programme of accessible tennis opportunities for everyone regardless of age, gender, background or ability on the Isle of Arran.
Project Description
Historically, most villages on the Isle of Arran had at least one tennis court, reflecting a vibrant local interest in the sport. However, over the years, many of these courts have fallen into disrepair or been lost altogether, leading to a significant decline in accessible playing spaces. At present, there are no organised coaching sessions available on the island. This, combined with limited facilities, presents a substantial barrier for those wishing to take up the sport—particularly beginners, individuals with additional needs, and anyone requiring adapted coaching methods or specialist equipment. Brodick Tennis Club are committed to reversing this trend and are working alongside Tennis Scotland and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to achieve this. Our vision is to create a welcoming, inclusive tennis environment that is accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, ability, or background. We aim to:
Offer regular, structured sessions for all skill levels
Provide disability-inclusive coaching, led by appropriately trained instructors
Promote participation among under represented groups
Ensure that both our club culture and physical facilities meet high standards of accessibility
By actively championing inclusion, we hope not only to revitalise interest in tennis on Arran but also to foster a sense of community, wellbeing, and shared enjoyment of sport.
Having successfully secured funding to resurface three public courts in Brodick village, we have also begun a programme of training LTA qualified coaches on the island. The courts will shortly be ready to welcome players back and, upon accreditation, our newly trained LTA Level 1 Assistant Coaches will be able to begin providing inclusive tennis sessions for our community. We are applying for funding to cover the costs of acquiring equipment. This will enable us to offer tailored sessions and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate meaningfully.
Bucket of Orange stage balls (n=96) £102, bucket of Green stage balls (n=96) £102, 27” adult size rackets x 12 £252, grips x 12 £15, throw down lines (48 yellow) £78, blue marker spots (30cm) x 12 £39, red marker spots (30cm) x 12 £39, set of six blue hoops (30cm diameter) x 2 £30, set of six red hoops (30cm diameter) x 2 £30, large court number signs x 3 £42, portable metal baskets to hold tennis balls x 3 £144, large secure metal storage container for equipment £800, delivery and assembly of container £150.
We also recognise the value of learning from others. As part of our commitment to best practice, we are also applying for funding to carry out knowledge-sharing visits to established, inclusive tennis clubs across Scotland, including:
Prestwick Tennis Club – LTA Disability Club of the Year (2020), offering wheelchair tennis and sessions for adults and juniors with learning difficulties
Strathgryffe Tennis Club – runs weekly disability classes for players with both learning and physical support needs
Irvine Tennis Club – provides a broad programme with dedicated sessions for women, men, and players aged 50+, in addition to social tennis and general coaching
These exchanges will inform the development of our own inclusive practice and help us build a strong, sustainable, and welcoming tennis culture on Arran.
Return trip to Prestwick £66.05*, return trip to Irvine £65.90*, return trip to Strathgryffe £74.30*
*(cost of two passengers and car on the ferry plus mileage)
Total requested = £1999.25
Location: Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde and has a resident population of 4,618 (2022 census). Brodick is regarded as the main hub and its geographical location means it has direct access to the north, south and west of the island. The only remaining public tennis courts on the island are located just off the main road through the village. The location is well suited to serve the local community being easy to access on foot, by public transport or private vehicle. There is a bus stop beside the entrance to the courts and free on street parking in addition to a couple of free car parks close by. Tennis has always been a popular sport on Arran and most villages on the island used to have at least one tennis court. Sadly many of these courts are long gone or currently in a poor state of repair. Having successfully secured funding to resurface three public courts in Brodick, Brodick Tennis Club has also begun a programme of training LTA qualified coaches on the island. The courts will shortly be ready to welcome players back and, upon accreditation, our newly trained LTA Level 1 Assistant Coaches will be able to begin providing inclusive tennis sessions for our community. At Brodick Tennis Club, we are committed to ensuring that the newly resurfaced courts—and the opportunity to learn and enjoy tennis—are truly accessible to all. We are actively seeking to collaborate with local health centres, the Heather Lodge Holistic Centre, and community groups such as u3a, to integrate tennis into the island’s social prescribing systems and broaden access to the many health and wellbeing benefits tennis can provide.
Worthwhile project and much needed tennis courts
As a 55+ female this would really give me confidence and motivation to return to tennis.
Much needed facility for the Arran community. Bringing both healthy activity and connection
Fantastic project bringing much needed facilities back to Arran