Clarkston’s new courts are ready for future tennis stars

The East Renfrewshire club was visited by British Fed Cup team captain Judy Murray (mum of Wimbeldon champion Andy) and Aegon GB David Cup team captain and head of men’s tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Leon Smith, who shared ribbon-cutting duties to unveil the new 
facilities.

The club has spent three years raising funds to replace the old blaes courts.

With a little help from the LTA and Sport Scotland, the hard work has paid off, and the club now offers three new hard courts with floodlights, as well as the existing all-weather courts.

Leon, who began his playing career at Clarkston and invited local family and friends along for the day, said: “I can’t believe how far the club has come since I left.

“The new courts look the business and the club as a whole is really developing into a great centre of competitive and social tennis.”

Norman Robinson, of Clarkston Tennis Club, described the new courts as a “fantastic asset, providing more playing time for our increasing membership.

“This means more people in the community can enjoy tennis on quality courts, and we look forward to welcoming them.”

He added: “The opening day was a huge success — we had a great turnout, the juniors had a good workout with Judy and Leon and the whole club was buzzing.”

Judy Murraycommented: “It’s good to see investments like this being made into facilities that encourage more kids to play tennis.

“This is really important to the future of British tennis as a whole.

“Clarkston has done a great job and it’s clear the coaching staff, committee and members have put in a lot of work over the years to get it in this condition.”