Rathfriland High School has officially opened their newly redeveloped tennis court.
The courts have been completely resurfaced, with the installation of new fencing along with the use of sport paint to mark out the courts, allowing for tennis and netball to be played. The project to enhance the facilities was a collaboration between the school and the local tennis club, Thinkwell Tennis Club.
The redevelopment of the facilities was made possible via funding from “Your School, Your Club”. This initiative helps promote the community use of school sports facilities and is coordinated via a steering group comprising of the Department of Communities (DfC), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Department of Education (DE), the Education Authority (EA) and District Councils.
School Principal, Ian Matthews, commented: “I am delighted to welcome our partners in the tennis club along with representatives from the agencies involved in the ‘Your School, Your Club’ initiative.
“This funding has enabled both the school and the wider community to access and make use of this state of the art facility. The provision of the new courts provides a superb surface for a wide range of sports and activities, and we are already putting it to good use.
“As a school we are committed to working with the local community and this project is a further example of how, in a rural area, the school’s facilities can be utilised both during and outside of the school day. Our partnership with Rathfriland Tennis Club has allowed the club, which has a long history in Rathfriland, to access excellent playing facilities and I know they have ambitious plans to grow the membership of the club and get more people active through the sport.”
During a short ceremony to mark the opening, invited guests commented on the positive impact such collaborations can have for both the school, sports clubs, and the wider community.
Guests were treated to a display of tennis skills by a group of Year 10 pupils, as part of the proceedings.
Rathfriland Tennis Club Chairperson, Catherine Fegan, commented: “Rathfriland Tennis Club would like to thank Rathfriland High School, particularly Mr. Ian Matthews, the EA, DEARA, DFC, and Sport NI for investing in this project in Rathfriland.
“This project has and will continue to have a significant impact on Rathfriland Tennis Club. It has enabled a small town to be able to access a top-class sporting facility without having to travel 10 miles. There is no doubt our membership has increased this summer as we have been able to offer great playing surfaces as well as increased coaching programs and events with increased access to the courts at an affordable rate. We look forward to continuing this partnership with the school to develop the club and increase access to tennis for all in the community.”
