Prestwick Tennis and Fitness Club has been awarded a National Lottery Blue Plaque in recognition of the contribution that it is making to the sport of tennis.

The club has had a huge impact on the local community, boosted tennis as a sport, and actively encourages young people to take up tennis, and for those already playing to improve their skills. The club hosts the largest competitive training programme in Scotland, covering all levels of junior and adult tennis, and plays a vital role in training Scotland’s young sporting talent.

The Depute Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor David Duncan, and Ross Wilson, Scotland’s Under 8 Tennis Champion, teamed up to award a national Lottery Blue Plaque to Prestwick Tennis and Fitness Club. Ross has played at the club since it opened fourteen months ago and trains there six days a week.

Councillor David Duncan, said: “Ross is a shining example of how Scotland plays host to a number of talented athletes, and the importance of creating opportunities for them to develop their skills. I hope that by providing facilities for young tennis players they will be encouraged to progress their game and produce tennis of the standard played by Scotland’s Andrew Murray at Wimbledon this year. The chance to take part in sporting activities is an important social and physical tool for all youngsters and adults, and I am pleased to be able to award the National Lottery Blue Plaque to this particular project.”

The club, which received £490,000 of Lottery funding from sportscotland, opened in April 2004 and has four indoor courts, eight outdoor courts, a clubhouse and a fitness gym.

Jan Collins, Club Chairman, said: “Our main aims are to make tennis available to everyone in the community and nurture the future Andrew Murray’s of Scotland. Without the support of Lottery funding and sportscotland, this centre would never have been built so it’ s fitting that they have awarded us with a Blue Plaque, recognising the impact the centre has had on the community access to Tennis.”

Stewart Harris, Acting Chief Executive of sportscotland commented: “The funding awarded to this project has enabled it to play an integral part in developing sporting opportunities in Scotland. In addition to coaching junior and adult players, it works closely with local schools who use the facilities regularly as part of their PE curriculum.”

Pictured within Prestwick Tennis and Fitness Club proudly displaying the Blue Plaque are (left to right) Councillor David Duncan, Depute Leader of the Council, Mark Cowan, Senior Manager at sportscotland, Ross Wilson, Scotland Under 8 Tennis Champion and Jan Collins, Club Chairman.

July 2005