PROFILE
We need to ensure that the initial experience of
tennis is of a high enough standard for people to want
to be part of the sport and the tennis club network
for tennis clubs to be at the heart of a structure, particularly for children and
collaborative framework, driving the juniors. It’s only then that a strong ten-
sport forward but working closely with nis club network can be developed in
local authorities, schools and other Scotland,” she says.
tennis providers, to grow the sport by
maximising efforts and resources.” Working Model
Murray’s concept is for a modern, Believing that a stand-alone academy
welcoming tennis club for the local would not survive in Scotland, Murray
community with an integrated tennis says she’s found a good working model
academy that aims to establish an in- of her aspirations in Belgium. “The place
ternational reputation for developing that interested me most in terms of con-
world-class players over time. cept was Justine Henin’s club in Brussels.
Such an academy could preclude the It has 500 children in its programme
need for future tennis champions to and the coaches go out to support other
train abroad, as Andy did. Murray be- clubs and schools. Henin’s has the look
lieves that the window for developing of a house and a friendly, family atmo-
co-ordination in young players is be- sphere and there is a good core club
tween the ages of eight and 12, so the programme for kids, adults, team and
right talent identification system, coach- social events as well as the high perfor-
es, facilities and regular competition at a mance element within the club. This is
local level is essential. exactly how it should work,” she says.
“Being a member of a club, kids have When it comes to what facilities
a sense of belonging,” she says. “They her club should offer, she has specific
have club teams to aim for and be part requirements: “Indoor courts are es-
of and they have a huge pool of sparring sential for all-year-round play and a
partners, young and old.” combination of indoor and outdoor
However, Murray is aware that devel- clay and acrylic courts are needed to
oping young talent is only one facet of a deliver a comprehensive competitive
successful tennis club. “We need to en- and tournament programme. Mini ten-
sure that the initial experience of tennis nis courts and a small multi-use games
is of a high enough standard for people area complement the tennis areas. A
to want to be part of the sport and ten- gym, aerobics studio, dining and social
nis clubs. This means modernising the facilities, seminar rooms and junior study
club business and facilities, promotion facilities are also included in the plans.
within the community, having the right Other activities to support tennis may Justine Henin’s club in Brussels has a
coaches and competitive opportuni- also be needed – depending upon the family-friendly sport environment
ties and adopting an appropriate fee final site selected.”
36 Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2009 © cybertrek 2009
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