Club Chairman, Trevor Scott, is enormously proud of the club’s achievements, which relies on the sheer hard work and innovation of its members and leaders:

"Abergavenny Tennis Club has a strong committee who have worked hard to progress the club and change its ethos over the past four to five years. The club is very buoyant at the moment and sponsors are willing to support us because we’re working for children and the community."

Other initiatives injected into the community have involved Ariel Mini Tennis and a ‘Raw Tennis’ Leaders Course, delivered with £250 given by the Rotary Club of Abergavenny, and £100 cash from the Angel Hotel to hold an annual invitation tournament.

Established in 1923 as the Abergavenny Tennis Company Limited, the club’s first aims were to provide a lawn tennis ground to cater for regular tennis practice and matches which could promote the game in the area.

Its facilities have expanded and now, with two floodlit carpet courts, three tarmac courts, a floodlit Kids’ Zone and practice area - all facilitated by a new clubhouse with disabled access - the club is positively blossoming. In 2006 it provided playing opportunities for over 185 adults and children in the area.

RAW Tennis Project

RAW Tennis is the new face of tennis for young people aged 10-18, presenting activities in a way that suits them both on court and online. It provides opportunities for players of all abilities to have fun, build their personal and tennis skills, enjoy competition and be inspired to sustain their interest in tennis and sport.

Abergavenny Tennis Club used funds to deliver after-school sessions to years 7, 8 and 9 girls between May 2006 and 2007, in partnership with PE staff at the school. It also provided basic training for young people to inspire those who are not so keen on playing, to get involved in coaching, with opportunities for participants to become RAW Tennis Leaders.

Initial uptake started at 20-25 participants each week, but now operates on a weekly basis – led by Coach Arthur Hales - with a mixed group of up to 12 participants as a lunch-time activity at the club. RAW tennis is now part of the 5x60 - part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Climbing Higher - aimed at getting young people doing 60 minutes of exercise 5 times a week.

Adult Beginners / Junior Advanced Leaders Project

Adult beginners are inspired to engage in tennis, using both indoor and outdoor facilities at Abergavenny Leisure Centre. Coaching is delivered at three proficiency levels with a ‘phased fee’ entry to the club involving an initial trial period at a reduced price.

The club is striving to develop Junior Tennis Leaders taught by experienced adult coaches, led by Head Coach, Robert Wedlake, and Coach Mike Buck. Talented juniors who commit to being a Tennis Leader are offered performance coaching to improve their play as a reward.