Kettering tennis courts refurbished following £68,000 grant with added funding from local sports club

A £68,882 grant from the FCC Communities Foundation was used to resurface four outdoor tennis courts, install new outdoor seating and refurbish the community room within the pavilion in Kettering.

Further funding of £7,404.82 from Kettering Tennis Club was also used to renovate the space.

Cllr Brian Benneyworth, executive member for health and leisure at North Northants Council, said: “The refurbishment has made a huge difference to the facilities, providing a real boost for residents in Kettering and the surrounding areas. It’s fantastic that FCC Communities Foundation awarded the funding, and we look forward to the refurbished facilities increasing usage and encouraging more people to take up tennis.

"Activities such as tennis can bring people together across all ages and abilities, supporting not only physical health but also social well-being — helping people stay active, connected and engaged in their community.”

The tennis courts are open and available for members of the public to book and play. The club hopes to install provision for padel in the future, a fast-rising sport similar to tennis, albeit on a smaller court.

FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund, with the recent renovations helping to ensure the courts are suitable for play for the coming years.

Cheryl Raynor, FCC Communities Foundation grant manager, said: “We’re delighted to support the Northampton Road Pavilion and Tennis Courts project, and pleased that our funding has allowed both facilities to be refurbished for the benefit of the local community.

"FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a meaningful difference, and we’re thrilled to see this one come to life.”

Christopher Todd, chairman for the Kettering Tennis Club committee, added: “Kettering Tennis Club are thrilled to see this project come to life. Thanks to the incredible support from North Northants Council and the FCC Communities Fund, we can now offer a higher quality tennis experience that will serve our community for years to come.

"The club will be celebrating the milestone with their annual community open day to launch the new season on April 4, 2026, welcoming players, supporters and local residents to explore the enhanced facilities and enjoy free tennis.

"Kettering Tennis Club continues to build on its vision of expanding tennis opportunities across the area and we are hopeful that we can provide additional courts and the introduction of new sports such as padel tennis in the future.

"This is more than just an investment in courts, it’s an investment in community health, connection, and the next generation of players”.

Bookings for Kettering Tennis Club are taken on the club’s app, which can be downloaded on iOS or Android here.