Islington’s Wimbledon stars of the future open new tennis courts

Potential Wimbledon winners have celebrated the total transformation of Islington’s Rosemary Gardens tennis courts. 

 

With the country’s most famous tennis competition in full swing, around 20 children from Pakeman Primary School descended on the North London courts to take part in a masterclass provided by coaches from Islington Tennis Centre.     

Pakeman pupil Arthur Lazovskis, aged 10, said "I am going to start playing more tennis and enjoy being active and eat more vegetables."

 

The improved courts have new tarmac surfaces and a newly refurbished tennis wall – a specially designed ‘rebound wall’ against which players can practise and sharpen their shots and serves. 

 

The works took 12 weeks to complete and cost £36,000 – split equally between Islington Council, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and Barclays’ Spaces for Sports scheme. 

 

Islington Council’s Head of Leisure, Mark Christodoulou, said: “Islington Council is committed to helping residents get active, keep fit, and stay healthy. 

 

“These courts are a marvellous place for families and future tennis aces alike to play and practise together. 

 

“We are grateful to Barclays’ Spaces for Sports scheme and the LTA for funding this project, and would like to thank residents for their patience while these works were underway.”

 

John Golding, the LTA’s Head of region South East, said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with The London Borough of Islington and to be able to support this fantastic refurbishment and redevelopment programme of courts in the area. 

 

“The improved access to fantastic tennis facilities is crucial to our mission to get more people playing tennis more often.”  

 

Local residents are now able to book the courts, which are run by leisure services provider, Better, via http://www.better.org.uk/venues/rosemary-gardens-football-pitch, or by calling Islington Tennis Centre on 0203 793 6880.