Former British number one tennis star Andrew Castle reveals why clubs like Ilkley are the backbone of British tennis and praises their role in promoting the sport at grassroots level across Bradford.

Tennis legend Andrew Castle believes tennis clubs like Ilkley are paving the way for the stars of tomorrow  and says they are key to finding the next Andy Murray.

Speaking on a recent visit to the club during the Ilkley Trophy tournament, beyond caught up with the BBC commentator to hear his thoughts on the tireless work the team at Ilkley undertake to create so many opportunities for youngsters from all backgrounds to play the game.

He said: “They are without doubt the backbone of British tennis and the work they do on the Parks and Outreach Programmes is key to the future of our game.

“The team at Ilkley provide so many opportunities for youngsters to pick up a racket, get involved and inspire the next generation.

“It is outrageous how tennis and sport in general in this country is so readily neglected and left to the individual sporting bodies, clubs, coaches and volunteers to pick up the pieces and drive grassroots sport forward, and I can’t applaud their work enough.”

With investment secured to rejuvenate the landscape of publicly accessible tennis courts in Bradford Parks, ILTSC has committed to play its part and support the delivery of tennis activities across the region.

Talking about their involvement in the programme, Head of Rackets at ILTSC, Gavin Sutcliffe said: “In the last year we have prepared a long-term strategy with a view to Ilkley leading a community tennis programme across the district, with a particular focus on supporting communities where tennis is otherwise inaccessible.

“ILTSC has already been successful with a bid for funding via the LTA Tennis Foundation to aid delivery of the project and will be looking to secure the role of ‘Bradford Parks Operator’ when the opportunity to tender goes public.”

Should that bid be successful, the aim will be to offer a mix of free and affordable tennis activities applicable to the location of the parks, including the LTA Barclays Free Parks Tennis initiative delivered by volunteer Park Activators and working with clubs, coaches and community organisations to offer activity in sites located close to their venue.

Gavin added: “In addition, we are pledging that profits from the Trophy tournament are directly reinvested in this programme, which will help longer-term sustainability of the project and create opportunities in many parts of our community where barriers to playing tennis are significant.”

Talking about Ilkley’s involvement Castle said: “The success and growth of Ilkley as a club and the work they do in the community is incredible and will hopefully one day create another future British Wimbledon champ.”

In Bradford alone, 12 parks have received a total investment of £445,070, bringing them back to life and making tennis more accessible to the community. These refurbished courts provide the local residents of the Bradford district with the opportunity to pick up a racket and access a tennis court.

BRADFORD’S
REFURBISHED PARKS:

• Lister Park

• Menston Park*

• Myrtle Park

• Northcliffe Park

• Oxenhope Sports Ass*

• Peel Park

• Silsden Park

• Temple Rhydding

• Bowling Park

• Cottingley Manor Park

• Central Park, Haworth

• Ilkley Lido*

* These courts have not yet been renovated, however they are available to book via the online booking system