An Abbots Langley man has gone above and beyond to start up a new tennis club for the community.
James Vaughan, 40, has spent the past six years on a journey to revive the old tennis courts in Abbots Langley Park.
James has invested almost £50,000 of his own money alongside the parish and district councils to set up Abbots Langley Tennis Club.
He said: “Six years ago I said, let’s build something for the community. The parish and three rivers council have been brilliant and none of this would have happened without them.
“I’m not trying to find the next Andy Murray, I just want everyone to come down and have a good time.”
The club’s opening was scheduled for last summer, however due to the extreme temperatures, the tarmac wouldn’t set, so James was forced to set his opening back.
The 40-year-old has spent the past 10 years working with the children of Abbots Langley with coaching them in tennis.
James said: “I’ve been a huge part of these kids’ sports journeys and I can’t wait to see them getting involved with the club.
“This is by no means my tennis club, its Abbots Langley’s; it’s owned by those who will use it.”
The new Lawn Tennis Association registered club is set to have its official opening in April, where the club will home brilliant programmes and great tuition with state of the art of equipment.
In fear of vandalism, James was visiting the court three times a day and began chatting to the local youths about what was going on.
James said: “I’ve worked with these kids; you just need to talk to them. We’ve had zero vandalism and when I go down there, they like to tell me the rubbish they’ve cleared for me.”
To find out more about Abbots Langley Tennis Club, visit clubsupremetennis.com or alternatively call 020 3700 8584.
0 Comments