TENNIS chiefs have proved a hit with a flood-hit club by providing a £44,190 loan to help players get back on court.

And in other boosts for Lydney Tennis Club, it has been named county club of the year and head coach Rachael Wintle has scooped the Development Coach of the Year award.

The honours come with the club’s flood recovery project in full swing after the Lawn Tennis Association loaned 75 per cent of the sum needed to refurbish the four courts.

Alongside other sports clubs in the town, 2020 proved one of the worst years in the club’s history, with its town recreation ground clubhouse and courts deluged by flooding in February just four months after previous high water before Covid wiped out much of the next 12 months’ play.

There was flooding again just before Christmas, but 2021 has started much more positively, with everyone at the club confident they will bounce back and see some good action when lockdown is lifted.

The loan of £44,190 from the LTA will help resurface all four of its tarmac courts which were badly damaged by the February flooding.

And club chair Nikki Salter said: “The project will cost approximately £60,000 and without the loan from the LTA this just would not have been possible, leaving the club with an uncertain future as the courts had become almost unplayable.

“We are a growing club and good courts are fundamental to attracting new members and giving the best possible experience, both for those new to the sport and also the high proportion of club members who take part in competitive league tennis.

“All the other activities which take place at the club will also benefit – adult and junior coaching, social play, club tournaments, Cardio tennis and Liveball. It will give the club a huge boost.”

Courtstall Services started work on the courts in January and if the weather is favourable, it is hoped the resurfacing and re-painting of the courts will be completed by the end of March – in time for the main tennis season.

Meanwhile, members are celebrating being named Gloucestershire Tennis Club of the Year by the county’s LTA, after members of all ages pulled together to clean the courts and clubhouse after the flooding in February and just before Christmas.

Nikki said: “I’m incredibly proud to be the chair of such an amazing club.

“It was a massive achievement and everybody showed huge amounts of hard work, determination and resilience to bring the club back from the brink. The award was recognition of a real team effort.”

The club is also delighted that Rachael Wintle has received her much deserved coach of the year award.

For large parts of last year, coaching numbers were either severely restricted by Covid regulations or could not take place at all.

So when she was unable to coach in person, she moved her coaching and tennis fitness sessions online with great success.

Nikki said: “Rachael has brought so many new players, particularly women, into the sport. Many had never played before or hadn’t played for many years and they are now confident club players and she inspires them to keep improving and just enjoy playing tennis.

“In the midst of all this, Rachael also passed her Level 3 Coaching qualification.

Nikki also acknowledged the support, financial and practical, from the people of Lydney, many of whom had no particular connection to the club and stressed how grateful everyone at the club had been for their help.

She said: “Things are looking up in 2021 and the club is looking forward to having the opportunity to show off its new courts and welcome back current players and give new members a chance to become part of a thriving club.”

Sharon Heeley LTA Head of Region for South West, said: “It was very sad to see the impact the recent flooding has had on Lydney Tennis Club and we are pleased to be able to contribute to the effort to repair the facilities there.

“Tennis plays a unique role in maintaining the physical and mental health of the nation and Lydney Tennis Club is a vital outlet to the local community. We hope people are able to get back on court soon.”

To see more about the club and details of how to join, go to www.LydneyTennisClub.co.uk or visit its Facebook page.