Community

Beal inspires budding tennis stars as funding extended

Up to 2,000 children will be given the chance to experience tennis coaching for the first time thanks to continued sponsorship from family-run housebuilder Beal Homes.

Beal has committed to a further year of funding for Goole Tennis Centre to roll out coaching sessions to local primary schools in the town and surrounding area.

Beal sales co-ordinator Harriet Walker with budding tennis stars Keisha, 7 and Michael, 8, at Goole Tennis Centre

The award-winning company is playing a major role in the rejuvenation of the East Yorkshire town by creating The Greenways, Goole’s largest new housing development for decades, with an investment of £130m over 12 years.

Beal is also committed to supporting the community through Chief Executive Richard Beal’s membership of the Goole Town Deal Board, which is driving forward the exciting regeneration of the town, and by supporting local good causes.

Beal’s backing for Goole Tennis Centre dates back to 2019, when the business provided funding for a similar programme to inspire youngsters to take up the sport.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic meant sessions and visits to schools had to be put on hold and, while more than 1,000 children benefited from the programme, some of the funds were re-directed towards maintaining the clay courts and upkeep of the centre during lockdown.

Now Beal is funding another tennis programme targeting local schools to inspire a passion for sport and physical wellbeing and maybe even discover a future star!

Coach Jake Prime puts pupils from Boothferry Primary School through their paces as Beal commits to funding a tennis programme targeting local schools

Steve Turnbull, Goole Tennis Centre Manager and Head Coach, said plans are underway to roll out the next tennis programme to local schools from early March 2022 onwards when weather improves and the sport can be played outside.

Steve said: “It’s tremendous to have this continued support from Beal. They have a genuine interest in the local community, particularly the younger generation, which is great to see.

“Beal’s continuing support means we can use our own funds for facilities and the general upkeep of the site while still reaching out to schools and getting as many youngsters involved as possible.

“We’ve started planning and working out logistics for the sessions already, including contacting schools to get their Reception to Year Three children involved. We want to give them the chance to play tennis for the first time and develop their skills.”

Goole Tennis Centre has produced at least six players who have competed at national level over the past 15 years and more than 15 who have achieved top accolades at county level.

Steve added: “We want to show children that tennis is enjoyable and fun and a skill they can use socially and competitively in their adult life. Once they’ve completed their sessions at school and at the centre, we hope they’ll continue to enjoy coaching sessions with us.”

The Greenways is the biggest single development in Beal’s history and will ultimately see 800 homes built on a 73-acre site of Rawcliffe Road in Goole. Construction began in June 2020, with the first buyers moving in a year later.

Pupils from nearby Boothferry Primary School practice drills at Goole Tennis Centre

Harriet Walker, Beal Sales Co-ordinator, said: “We’re delighted to continue our sponsorship of Goole Tennis Centre and to help to inspire so many children to take up tennis and enjoy the sport.

“It’s wonderful that this programme is already having a really positive impact on the children involved. Who knows, there might be a budding Emma Raducanu or Cameron Norrie who picks up a racket for the first time because of this scheme.

“We’re passionate about giving back to local communities where we have developments and that is especially the case in Goole, because our commitment is so significant and over such a long period of time. It’s an incredibly exciting time for Goole and this programme is adding to the positivity.”

Pupils from Boothferry Primary School with, from left, Goole Tennis Centre Coach Jake Prime, Beal sales co-ordinator Harriet Walker and Deputy Headteacher Steven Capewell

Children from Boothferry Primary School in Goole are among those already enjoying weekly coaching sessions at the centre, which have been part-funded by Beal.

Deputy Headteacher Steven Capewell said: “I held selection sessions to identify children with potential talent in tennis. They’ve had a focused six-week programme at school, which then leads into a weekly session at the centre.

“We’ve introduced them to the centre and hopefully they will go on to play tennis long-term and take it further.

“I can’t over emphasise how important it is for children to have these opportunities. It benefits them in so many ways, including developing friendships, team spirit and self-esteem. This support from Beal is fantastic.”

  • The Greenways features Beal’s full range of contemporary two, three and four bedroom house types, from starter homes to executive properties, all tailored to suit the individual lifestyles and tastes of Beal buyers. For more information click here.

Pictures: R&R Studio

Beal sales co-ordinator Harriet Walker avoids a foot fault as she practises her forehand