A NEW access gate and online booking system is being launched at Romsey and Abbey Tennis Club to get more people playing tennis.

With the Wimbledon buzz in the air residents can now easily access all four of the club’s courts for a small charge.

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has invested £7,000 into the new access system to make all four courts at the Romsey Sports Centre – where the club is based – available on a ‘Pay and Play’ basis.

The expanded ‘Pay and Play’ offer will exist alongside the wider membership programme provided by Romsey and Abbey Tennis Club.

People will be able to book courts using the new system via the Romsey and Abbey Tennis Club website. Once an online booking has been made, customers receive a code and then access the courts via the PIN pad on the gate.

Community and leisure portfolio holder, councillor Tony Ward, said: “This is a great step forward and one that will make tennis more accessible to more people.

“We are committed to improving the sporting facilities in the borough and we very much welcome this new setup.”

Veronica Shaw, Romsey and Abbey Tennis Club Chair said, “This is an exciting time for tennis in Romsey.

“The new system provides ease of access to the tennis courts for all in the community.

“The Pay-and-Play service will complement all the other activities we provide at the courts, including free mini coaching under the LTA’s Tennis for Kids initiative, and other group coaching, play and cardio sessions.”

Adam Goble, LTA Regional Participation Manager, added: “We’re delighted to see the launch of the access gate and booking system at Romsey and Abbey Tennis Club.

“It provides a simple and streamlined process in-keeping with what customers now expect when booking activities.

“The more accessible we can make courts to the wider public, the more participation in tennis will grow across the UK especially from the back of another successful Wimbledon for British players.”

A new partnership has also been formed with local tennis coach Mihaly Bukur who, alongside his coaching team, will provide a range of sessions catering to children and adults of all ages.

For more information about Romsey and Abbey Tennis Club and coaching options, visit: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/RomseyTennis