AN AWARD-winning tennis programme in Basingstoke that was founded in the 90s has closed its doors for good.

After many incredible years, it’s the end of an era for Totally Tennis as the programme at the indoor centre in the War Memorial Park and its secondary site at Stratton Park has closed.

Tennis director Nigel Long made the difficult decision not to continue the current operation.

He said: “I’d like to thank everyone that has been part of the Totally Tennis journey. From the four-year-olds in Munchkins to the players in their now late 80's that regularly use the courts and the countless player, coaches, and staff, many of whom had never seen tennis as an opportunity for a career.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Tennis Director Nigel Long

"The philosophy of no membership required meant that tennis was truly open to all, and you have all been a part of our success!”

Nigel started Totally Tennis on four outdoor courts and over the years he has built one of the most successful community tennis programmes in the UK.

He also secured the funding from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to expand the centre, in collaboration with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, and build a state-of-the art four court indoor centre and install floodlights on the original outdoor courts.

Under Nigel’s guidance Totally Tennis has grown opportunities to play the sport immeasurably in the area for players young and old.

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As well as a comprehensive junior squad programme, other achievements include a school’s programme for children aged from four right up to college-age, a performance programme that has produced national and international players and the implementation and mentoring of a coach education initiative that has given young players the opportunity to have a career in tennis coaching.

Totally Tennis highlights include having at least one Hampshire County Champion for over 20 years, an undefeated record in the annual Basingstoke and Euskirchen twin town sporting event, local league individual and team champions, an award-winning programme for Brighton Hill Community College and Queen Mary’s College, Judy Murray coaching a session at the centre, numerous LTA accreditations as well as forging many great sporting partnerships. 

Nigel is also a senior coach education tutor for the LTA and co-founder of UCoach which delivers coach education courses across the country.