The Government has added to its pledge to “build back better” with a package of £60m to refurbish more than 4,500 tennis courts and improve school sports. The Culture Secretary referred to Raducanu’s win at the US Open with the wish that they could inspire more people into professional sports or getting active.
The Lawn Tennis Association has made a commitment of its own, having pledged £8.5 million to 4,500 park courts at 1,500 venues owned by local authorities. It is believed that the money will go towards repairs and improving digital access to courts.
In the last 12 months, 1.7 million adults have played tennis on park courts in England, Scotland, and Wales. However, around 45% of the courts in these places have been found to be unfit for use. The majority are in some of the most deprived areas in those countries.
To help young talent, the Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi has allocated 30 million to schools to help build new sports facilities and upgrade existing facilities, with the view of improving school and community access, adding:
“We know the next Harry Jane, Emma Raducanu, or Mo Farah is out there, but they need the right facilities and support to display their talent.”
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