As you may have read in the County Press (Friday June 27), we are the first tennis club on the Island to be awarded the LTA's Clubmark seal of approval. More impressively, we are only the third out of 371 tennis clubs in the South and West to receive this award, and 15th in the whole of England & Wales.
Clubmark is a national yardstick for all sports. It is awarded to clubs that comply with minimum standards in four areas: the playing programme, duty of care and child protection, sports equity and ethics and club management. So parents looking for a club for their children, as well as adult players, can have confidence that the facilities and environment are of the highest standard.
Our thanks should go to Chrissie Fothergill, who led the application process and brought together the many Committee members, volunteers and coaches from the Club to compile the required documentation and evidence.
It took many months to pull all the information together and to make the changes and improvements that were necessary to show to the LTA that we met all the tests. Chrissie worked extremely hard work but was the first to admit that it had definitely been worthwhile and that we are undoubtedly a better club as a result of this exercise.
According to Roger Draper, LTA Chief Executive, “Clubs that have joined the scheme are finding it well worth it. By having recognised standards of coaching, child protection, and good management they find it easier to attract and keep members, improve the club’s profile and build for the future.”
Very well done to Chrissie and all those involved in the process!