Belfast Harlequins Tennis Proposal

Introduction :Introduction Brian Cushnie B.Sc. Tennis Fundamentals Ltd. Director. Belfast Indoor Tennis Arena Tennis Development Manager 1996 - 2001 Professional Tennis Registry Regional Director, Ireland. The Schools Tennis Project Ltd. Honorary Director.


Tennis Fundamentals Ltd. :Tennis Fundamentals Ltd. Established 1994


Belfast Indoor Tennis Arena :Belfast Indoor Tennis Arena Built coaching programme over 5 years: 550 children & 85 adults attending tennis classes each week. 85% court usage.


Professional Tennis Registry (Ireland) :Professional Tennis Registry (Ireland) The P.T.R. are the largest coaches organisation in the world with over 12,000 coaches in 130 countries. We organise their courses in Ireland where they have 50 qualified coaches and over 200 tennis teachers.


Aim :Aim Charity recognised by Inland Revenue. To increase participation in tennis and improve the quality of experience of those who participate. To make facilities and services available to all members of the community, without religious or any other discrimination.


Proposed Projects :Proposed Projects Centre of Excellence for Tennis in N. Ireland Project costing £4,000,000 (12 courts) Partnership with Tennis Ireland, Hotel Developer + £3m funding from ‘Elite Facilities Fund’ University of Ulster at Jordanstown Established Jordanstown Tennis Club in 2005 Proposed indoor tennis facility. Partnership with UUJ + funding from Lottery Building Sport Fund (presently closed)


Slide 7 :Ballymena Academy Project costing £230,000 (4 indoor courts) Partnership with School Strathearn School, Belfast Project costing £230,000 (4 indoor courts) Partnership with School Ballydown PS Cover existing court. Partnership with School (£65,000 funding from STP)


Proposal for Belfast Harlequins:Build three courts and cover with a bubble during winter :Proposal for Belfast Harlequins:Build three courts and cover with a bubble during winter Guideline price: £220,000 to build and cover three courts between rugby pitch and car park.


Similar Structures in N. Ireland: :Similar Structures in N. Ireland: Belfast Boat Club David Lloyd Leisure Club, Dundonald Cheaper version with lights on the outside. Single skin – more prone to vandalism.


Ideal – 3 or 4 court facility :Ideal – 3 or 4 court facility Contractor prepared to offer very competitive price in order to have a structure in N. Ireland to show to potential customers – especially the Centre of Excellence developer.


Usage: :Usage: Club could use facility for indoor hockey or rugby training. We would use develop a tennis membership at the club and coaching programmes


Satellite Facility for Centre of Excellence for tennis. :Satellite Facility for Centre of Excellence for tennis.


Slide 13 :Holiday Camps Positive activities for children to attend during school holidays.


Considerations :Considerations Contributions to Capital costs. Contributions to running costs & sinking fund. Usage agreement.


Benefits for club. :Benefits for club. Indoor sports facility for hockey & rugby training. Addition of tennis members to club. Large financial contribution from The Schools Tennis Project Ltd. towards costs.


Benefits for STP :Benefits for STP Employment of three full time staff. Winter coaching programme made available for local children. Opportunity to produce high performance players. Retain quality staff through offering indoor ‘year round’ work. Flagship facility & income for future projects.


Way forward. :Way forward. Establish interest from club to pursue project. Identify issues – planning permission, insurance etc. Produce proposal with regard to usage agreement, costs etc.


Thank You! :Thank You!