Football NSW and Tennis NSW combine to offer improved facility access

Football NSW and Tennis NSW have announced a partnership agreement aimed at increasing the opportunities for their member clubs and associations to share access to existing tennis facilities across NSW.

Working with community stakeholders, and aligning with NSW Office of Sport initiatives, new and existing tennis facilities could be made available for multi-purpose community use, suitable for the conduct of small sided football competitions, or general training.

With many recreational activities facing the pressures of limited space, increasing population pressures, and financial sustainability, this opportunity presents an ideal opportunity for both football and tennis.

It is hoped that a joint share model is developed whereby football players and teams can share access to tennis courts thereby contributing to the sustainability of these facilities.

Advising that he is excited by this prospect, Football NSW Chief Executive, Stuart Hodge advised “this is a great example of two sports collaborating for the benefit of the community and demonstrating to government at all levels how sport can contribute to the local community.

“This program will revitalise existing tennis facilities at the local level and increase their capacity”.

Lawrence Robertson, Chief Executive of Tennis NSW agreed with the partnership agreement, adding “we believe that this partnership can create some advantages for both sports. We know that the revenue derived from a single small-sided football facility can be significantly more than that of a single tennis court.

“The message from government is clear, sport needs to work together closely in order to maximize the use of valuable community assets, particularly in metropolitan Sydney and large regional centres.”

Moving forward, Football NSW and Tennis NSW will work together to identify potential pilot venues with the aim to roll out some trials of the new initiative in coming months.

Image: Lawrence Robertson, Chief Executive of Tennis NSW and Stuart Hodge, Chief Executive of Football NSW announce the new partnership.