North Armidale Tennis Club will this year add two more synthetic tennis courts to its facility following a $163,027 State Government grant, with members Alastair Moore, left, Raymond Blair, President Robert Mackenzie, John Maher, Michael Duncan, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Club Coach Brandon Burey, John Hansen, David Steller, Phil Abrahams, Rob Coward, Peter Glasson and Ian Duncan.
Thursday, 10 February 2022
NORTH Armidale Tennis Club will soon add two more synthetic tennis courts to its facility with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $163,027 State Government grant to transform another two of its old clay courts.
Since 2015 the State Government has provided the club with more than $210,000 to assist with upgrading to synthetic grass.
Mr Marshall said the latest improvements, with this additional funding, would double the number of synthetic courts to four.
“This Stronger Country Communities Fund grant will continue the efforts of North Armidale Tennis Club members to future-proof their facility,” Mr Marshall said.
“Across the region, tennis clubs with clay courts which require significant volunteer hours to maintain with rolling, bagging, line marking and weed control.
“Synthetic or hard courts require minimal upkeep and provide a more consistent bounce and smoother surface.
“As a sport tennis is one which is played by people of all ages. Synthetic grass courts in particular are a lot kinder on the joints and body, which makes them preferred for older players.
“North Armidale Tennis Club holds an important place in Armidale’s history and it is great to see the committee making significant changes in order to keep it functional for future generations.”
North Armidale Tennis Club President Robbie Mackenzie said the addition of synthetic grass courts was paying off, helping to significantly increase membership numbers.
“Twelve years ago when we had all clay courts, the club had only 20 members, we now have about 60 adult members,” Mr Mackenzie said.
“We hope to see a real boom in our junior ranks as more children are able to participate in coaching throughout the week.
“I hope having these young faces come through now translates to adult memberships in the future.
“We thank Adam for his support in getting our program of court upgrades to this point and look forward to being able to hit on the new courts later this year.”