Tennis centre named best club at awards
Kelso Orchard beat Dunblane to title
A BORDERS tennis club has been named the best in Scotland at an awards ceremony.
Kelso Orchard Tennis Club beat Dunblane Sports Club, where it all started for Andy Murray, to take Tennis Scotland’s Club of the Year prize.
The centre was honoured for its work with Borderers of all ages in 2023, from schoolchildren to care home residents.
It now goes on to compete for the British title.
The club’s treasurer, Kate Bull, said: “We’re really passionate about getting into the community and we’ve been in care homes and making tennis available for tots – it’s about trying to give everyone the chance to play tennis for free.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped us along the way.”
The Tennis Scotland Awards 2024, hosted by television presenter Rhona McLeod, took place at Stirling Court Hotel at the end of March.
In total, 21 accolades were handed out as the tennis and Padel tennis community came together to celebrate a year of success and growth.
Kelso Orchard Tennis Club was recognised for its impressive achievements in 2023.
It increased its junior membership through work with schools and ‘come-and-try’ festivals, while the clubhouse was used for tots’ tennis.
The club also held walking sessions after developing links with care homes to increase participation among the older generations.
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, said: “Congratulations to Kelso Orchard Tennis Club, which came up against tough competition but was a deserving winner in our Club of the Year category at the Tennis Scotland Awards 2024.
“We want to offer our thanks to Kelso Orchard and all the individuals and organisations who work tirelessly to further the growth and development of tennis in Scotland.
“With an all-time high club membership, increasing participation and record entries at com
petitions, we have real momentum in Scottish tennis and, as we celebrate the many successes of 2023, we look forward to the rest of this year with huge confidence.
“Many of our award winners now go ahead to the LTA British Awards later this year and we wish them all the best of luck.”