I have just read the community suggestions regarding replacing the sports hall at my old school and note with excitement that tennis receives several mentions. I am currently president of Bishopbriggs Tennis Club and believe that with funding as part of MUSE’s proposed development Bishopbriggs Tennis Club could be transformed into a thriving hub for the community.
We have been part of the community since 1960 but despite our best efforts the club has fallen into disrepair in recent times. Our club currently can only open 6 months of the year (April to September) due to our surface being unsuitable for play during autumn and winter. Additionally, our courts regularly flood during rainfall events leaving them unplayable for several days.
Previous promises of funding have come to nothing and we are now desperate for funding for new courts and a new clubhouse. We have huge potential to add value to the community culture in Bishopbriggs but without funding we will never realise this potential and are facing the very real prospect of going out of business.
The opportunity exists to create a vibrant club for the community which can deliver for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. I feel that we are hugely deserving of funding, we have always been active in the community and delivered for young people through supporting both Bishopbriggs and Turnbull secondary schools as well as East Dunbartonshire’s Active Kids program but with the help of the council and local community we can do so much more. We have also had indications of support from local churches and youth groups.
I have included a link to a more detailed document on the club website, outlining some of the reasons why we are the right fit for funding and what we as a club can achieve within the community if we were successful. http://www.bishopbriggstc.com
Please take the time to read it and show your support for Bishopbriggs Tennis Club by leaving comments on this blog. Below are just a few of the things that we could achieve, if you wish to discuss anything with me contact me at president@bishopbriggstc.com and I’d be delighted to talk to you.
Project Objectives & Outcomes
With new all-weather savannah-grass courts, complete with floodlights, and a new clubhouse we would be able to:
• Open all year round and double the number of playable hours on court
• Allow our club to be wheelchair accessible
• Deliver for young people through the creation of a mini-tennis program and year round junior coaching program
• Deliver for young people through increasing the club’s involvement in East Dunbartonshire’s Active Schools program
• Deliver for young people by lowering entry age of membership to include all primary age children (present surface deemed unsuitable for children under 8)
• Tackle obesity and support the Scottish Executive’s Healthy Eating, Active Living campaign by encouraging young people to take part in physical activity
• Create a community tournament as part of Bishopbriggs Gala Day celebrations
• Increase club’s community outreach programme
• Create a meeting area useable by the whole community
• Create an adult coaching program for people
• Provide high quality tennis facilities that the community deserves
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and please support the future of tennis in Bishopbriggs,
Scott McLean
President, Bishopbriggs Tennis Club
