Tennis takes off in Corby after MP helps club secure vital grant

The centre needed support during lockdown
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Tennis is booming in Corby as more people flock to the town's club, which was supported through lockdown by local MP Tom Pursglove.

Corby Tennis Centre, with its distinctive 'bubble' courts, was taken over by Craig and Juliette Haworth a few years ago when the council could no longer afford to run the sports club.

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The couple want Corby residents to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of playing tennis year-round without a hefty price tag, but this was all threatened when the community interest company was refused a grant at the beginning of lockdown.

Tennis is booming in Corby. The town's tennis centre was supported by MP Tom Pursglove (middle) seen with the centre's owners, Craig and Juliette HaworthTennis is booming in Corby. The town's tennis centre was supported by MP Tom Pursglove (middle) seen with the centre's owners, Craig and Juliette Haworth
Tennis is booming in Corby. The town's tennis centre was supported by MP Tom Pursglove (middle) seen with the centre's owners, Craig and Juliette Haworth

Craig said: "On top of all the normal expenses of running a business, we had more than £2,000 per month on electricity to keep the two air halls inflated.

"There was no way to bring the domes down, as the company that do the work on them are from Belgium and have also been in lockdown."

The tennis centre turned to Tom Pursglove MP for help in securing the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant.

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The vital money helped secure the tennis centre and now more people than ever are playing the sport in Corby.

MP Tom Pursglove (middle) with Craig and Juliette Haworth at Corby Tennis CentreMP Tom Pursglove (middle) with Craig and Juliette Haworth at Corby Tennis Centre
MP Tom Pursglove (middle) with Craig and Juliette Haworth at Corby Tennis Centre

Craig said: "Our members and users have been so positive about having the opportunity to play tennis through the lockdown, and it has really helped us showcase what a great sport it is for everyone to play, and to feel the emotional, mental and health benefits that playing tennis brings.

"It is likely that a large number of people who came back to tennis during lockdown will take up additional membership with us, as they have seen the health benefits first hand and now realise playing tennis year round does not have to be expensive.

"As a small community interest company, we are extremely grateful to Tom and the Government for this help and support."

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The support has put the centre firmly on the map within British tennis and for the first time, the Lawn Tennis Association has booked national training sessions for elite players at the Corby club.

The centre will also be taking part in the Primary School Development Programme, which gives thousands of schoolchildren the chance to learn tennis and play throughout the winter months.

Mr Pursglove said: "I was delighted to accept Craig and Juliette’s invitation to visit Corby Tennis Centre and learn more about the effort they have made to ensure their business’ survival, not to mention their sheer hard work all year round in running this flagship local tennis centre, which is back open for business.

"To see the courts in Corby full of junior tennis players from all over the country, all within current guidelines and regulations, was a wonderful sight, and the centre has a very natural, multi-cultural appeal and welcoming atmosphere to everyone, from novice players to seasoned old pros.

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"Sadly, Wimbledon had to be cancelled this year, but Corby is definitely open for tennis.

"We shouldn’t under-estimate the importance of exercise for our health and well-being, particularly during 2020, and I understand they even run a ‘rusty rackets’ class for anyone who’d like to give tennis a try."

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