Tennis Book 2010_Layout 1 - TIA UK

Message from the LTA
Growing the sport and winning is our priority
for 2010
More people playing tennis, more children involved, and
making the sport more accessible – these are all
fundamental to the long term prosperity of our sport.
More than half a million adults play tennis at least once a
week. The number is rising year on year. More children are
competing, and more money is being invested in the grass
roots of the sport.
As a governing body we are investing more in places to
play tennis – nearly £10 million a year, thanks in part to the
support of Sport England. As well as improving the quality
of facilities, we are supporting places to play to develop
their programmes through Clubmark. More than 640 clubs
have now earned Clubmark status, which means the club is providing a high quality service and great
on court programme. A further 550 are working towards the standard with the support of our field team
of Tennis Development Managers.
The AEGON Schools programme has also made a real impact. Through it, the Tennis Foundation has
introduced the sport to nearly 4,000 primary schools and given out more than 120,000 free tennis
rackets in just over a year.
We are also starting to see real signs of progress, in the women’s game in particular. When Anne
Keothavong broke into the top 100 in 2008, she became the first British woman in nine years to do so.
Since then, three other British women have broken through that barrier. That is testament to the new
approach we have taken and all the people involved.
The juniors also look promising, but we have to accept that a long term strategy is just that. A long
term plan to deliver long term success for the sport.
We are proud of the efforts of tens of thousands of coaches, parents, and volunteers, who are
transforming the sport. With their help we are getting more people playing tennis, and enjoying the
sport. I hope you find this directory of products and services helpful and wish you every success
whatever your role is in tennis this coming season.
Roger Draper
Chief Executive
The Lawn Tennis Association
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