Investment in high quality tennis and padel facilities by the LTA and LTA Tennis Foundation is sparking a surge of community activity across the country, opening doors, energising grassroots sport, and turning local venues into vibrant year-round hubs of play and participation.
A survey of venues who recently received funding shows the impact of targeted infrastructure investment. Modern courts, upgraded amenities, and digital-first access are driving a surge in new players, thriving programmes, and stronger community connections.
Quick Access Loans
One of the ways the LTA is helping is through the Quick Access Loan Scheme (QAL), which is funded by the LTA Tennis Foundation. Clubs and venues have been able to expand their facilities and widen access through the scheme.
In 2025 the scheme committed an investment of £2 million across a variety of projects including:
14 covered tennis and padel courts
34 floodlit tennis and padel courts
Clubs and venues taking advantage of the scheme continue to build on the development of community outreach programmes that support the LTA and LTA Tennis Foundation’s vision of ‘tennis opened up.’ The aim is for tennis and padel, and the fantastic benefits they provide, to be open to as many people as possible across the whole of Britain.
Participation Growth
This year venues that received QAL reported significant growth in both adult and junior memberships, demonstrating the impact of improved facilities on long-term engagement.
On average, each venue saw:
104 new adult members and 31 new junior members.
58 additional adults and 75 juniors enjoying coaching programmes
Venues have also seen a rapid expansion of access to local communities on a pay and play basis, which lowers costs and helps welcome new participants. Many venues with no previous pay and play provision reported hundreds of annual bookings with an average increase of 500 pay and play non-member bookings per venue.
Tom Gibbins, Head of Programme and Property Strategy and Foundation Development at the LTA: “Our investment in high-quality tennis and padel facilities is transforming communities across Britain. By creating modern, accessible places to play – from covered courts and floodlit facilities to revitalised park sites and new indoor centres – we’re opening doors for thousands of people to get active, connect with others, and enjoy these sports year-round. These facilities are not just improving how people play; they’re strengthening local programmes, inspiring new players of all ages, and ensuring that tennis and padel truly are open to everyone.”
The investment has improved courts up and down the country. In Sheffield, a landmark development for community sport, health and recreation was officially unveiled in September with the opening of the new Hillsborough Park Activity Hub, which included new padel and tennis courts and a café.