The Tennis Aces group has received £1040 in support from Glasgow Airport’s FlightPath Fund to help fund its winter sports programme.
Based in Kirkintilloch, the group runs summer and winter tennis coaching programmes for adults aged 16 and over who have learning difficulties or a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The group was set up in 2015 to support individuals in East Dunbartonshire to develop healthier lifestyles, to improve their mental wellbeing and feel part of their local community by participating in sporting activities.
Thanks to support from the FlightPath Fund more than 40 adults from the East Dunbartonshire area will now be able to participate in the group’s winter programme, which includes weekly tennis sessions and a range of other sporting activities including yoga, cycling at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, basketball and badminton.
In addition to the various health and social benefits, participants will also be able to train for a Tennis Leaders qualification. A tennis leader is someone that is able to support the coach with the day-to-day running of the tennis venue and tennis programme. Tennis Leaders qualifications can help young people get the first step on the career ladder. Adults who enjoy volunteering see it as a way of getting some informal training around organising competition or taking a role on the committee.
Allwyn Crawford, head coach at The Tennis Aces, said: “We greatly appreciate this support from Glasgow Flightpath Fund, which will allow us to run a further three Tennis Leaders Courses. There are various modules to be completed within the course, and all tennis leaders awarded a certificate on completion. This funding will allow many more of our players the opportunity to take this on, so many thanks on behalf of everyone on our project.”
Peter Carroll, who sits on the FlightPath Fund committee, said: “I had the pleasure of meeting some members of the group earlier this week when they visited the airport. Tennis Aces is a great organisation doing some fantastic work in supporting young people with learning difficulties in the East Dunbartonshire area.”
The Glasgow Airport FlightPath Fund recently announced the introduction of a special one-off £25,000 support grant earlier this month. The lump sum will provide a lasting benefit to one community group, charity or organisation in one of the four local authority areas service by the FlightPath Fund.
To apply for FlightPath Fund support or the one-off £25,000 windfall, visit the website’s community section at: www.glasgowairport.com/community
For more information on The Tennis Aces visit: www.thetennisaces.co.uk