North Northamptonshire Council has announced that, following a competitive tender process, Advantage Sports Group CIC has been awarded a 15-year contract to take over the operation of tennis services at three key locations: Burton Latimer, North Park, and the Ise Valley in Kettering.
A Phased Rollout of New Services
The new partnership will see the introduction of a modern online booking system, alongside free community tennis opportunities and expanded coaching programmes. The phased rollout will begin at the Burton Latimer courts, with North Park and Ise Valley set to join the programme following future, planned refurbishment works.
Income generated from the new operating model will be directly reinvested into maintaining and improving the public tennis courts across the area.
“This is fantastic news for tennis players and residents across North Northamptonshire. This partnership will help secure the long-term future of our park tennis courts while making it easier than ever for people to get involved in the sport,"
said Cllr Brian Benneyworth, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Housing, Public Health and Leisure.
Cllr Benneyworth added that the focus is on benefiting the local community through affordable access, dedicated sessions for those with additional needs, and creating clear pathways for young people to get into coaching and volunteering.
Serving Up Expertise
Advantage Sports Group CIC brings over 30 years of experience in tennis coaching and facility management to the project. Their immediate plans include launching affordable pay-and-play sessions, school engagement programmes, cardio tennis activities, and community open days to encourage residents of all ages and abilities to pick up a racket.
“Advantage Sports Group CIC is delighted to have been appointed by North Northamptonshire Council to manage and develop the tennis provision at Burton Latimer, North Park and Ise Valley,"
said Simon Gallo, Director at Advantage Sports Group.
"This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to breathe new life into these important community facilities and create a welcoming, affordable and inclusive tennis programme for residents of all ages and abilities."
Gallo noted that the group is excited to begin working alongside the Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to improve the courts and build a sustainable future for the sport across North Northants.
Do you regularly use the tennis courts in Kettering or Burton Latimer? What improvements are you hoping to see under this new 15-year partnership?
