Riverside Tennis Club has become the first club in Wiltshire to be named as an LTA Youth Recognised Venue.

LTA Youth Recognised Venues have demonstrated that they are committed to delivering an excellent junior programme that offers high quality coaching and regular competitive opportunities for young players.

The club said: "This seal of approval from the LTA is huge for the club and coaching team. This recognition places Riverside among some of the top coaching programmes in the country, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the club.

"LTA Youth is a modern approach to tennis training. Forget standing around waiting for your turn to hit a forehand - sessions are energetic, fun and the players are always active and being challenged." 

Salisbury Journal: Riverside Tennis Club

Julie Jones, LTA Delivery Manager, expressed her delight at the club’s achievement: "I am delighted that the club’s tennis team has gained this prestigious award. Witnessing numerous junior players benefiting from this innovative approach week after week has been truly inspiring.

"The implementation of LTA Youth principles has enhanced the quality of the sessions and fostered a more enjoyable and enriching experience for young players as they progress in their tennis journey."

This recognition follows a flurry of success for Riverside and its coaching team in recent years.

In February, Riverside was named LTA Wiltshire Club Of The Year for a fourth time, following facility developments and growth in participation.

Salisbury Journal: right Louise Chappell-Cary (Chairperson), Sandy Procter (President of the LTA), and John Barryright Louise Chappell-Cary (Chairperson), Sandy Procter (President of the LTA), and John Barry (Image: Riverside Tennis Club)

Back in 2023, coach, Mike Barry, was awarded Wiltshire Development Coach Of The Year. The biggest award came back in 2021 when Riverside was named South and South West Regional Club Of The Year, a huge achievement for the club. 

The success has carried over onto the court as Riverside has had its most successful season yet.

Salisbury Journal: L-R: Sam Harris, Jake Russell, Mike Barry, Jay BarryL-R: Sam Harris, Jake Russell, Mike Barry, Jay Barry (Image: Riverside Tennis Club)

The men's first team have had a great winter season, winning the Southampton League Division One Title and the Solent Cup - a play off match between the winners of the Southampton and Portsmouth leagues.

Congratulations to, Sam Harris, Jake Russell, Mike Barry, Jamie Barry, Hari Chowdhury and Aidan Riley who all played their part. 

If you would like to know more about the club, its coaching or membership go to riverside-ltc.org.