New balls please! Tennis boost as council nets new operator

18 August 2026

Budding tennis stars, who may one day lift the Wimbledon trophy, will be celebrating today with the announcement that North Northamptonshire is to benefit from improved access to tennis, coaching opportunities, and better facilities. 

North Northamptonshire Council has announced that, following a competitive tender process, Advantage Sports Group CIC has been awarded a 15-year contract to operate tennis services at Burton Latimer, North Park and Ise Valley. 

The exciting partnership will provide free community tennis opportunities, expanded coaching programmes, and a modern online booking system, as well as stronger links with local schools and clubs. It will also help generate income that will be reinvested into maintaining and improving tennis courts across the area.

The phased programme will begin at Burton Latimer, with North Park and Ise Valley joining the programme following future refurbishment works.

This is fantastic news for tennis players and residents across North Northamptonshire. This partnership will help secure the long-term future of our park tennis courts while making it easier than ever for people to get involved in the sport. The focus is very much on benefiting the local community, whether that is through affordable court access, opportunities for children and families to learn new skills, dedicated sessions for people with additional needs, or improved pathways into coaching and volunteering.Cllr Brian Benneyworth, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Housing, Public Health and Leisure

Advantage Sports Group CIC is delighted to have been appointed by North Northamptonshire Council to manage and develop the tennis provision at Burton Latimer, North Park and Ise Valley. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to breathe new life into these important community facilities and create a welcoming, affordable and inclusive tennis programme for residents of all ages and abilities.
With more than 30 years of experience in tennis coaching, programme delivery and facility management, our team is passionate about increasing participation through coaching, school partnerships, community sessions, open days and clear pathways into local clubs. We are excited to begin working alongside the Council, the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and local communities to improve the courts, create new coaching and employment opportunities, and build a sustainable future for tennis across North Northamptonshire.Simon Gallo, Director at Advantage Sports Group

Advantage Sports Group CIC brings more than 30 years of experience in tennis coaching, programme delivery and club management. Their plans include affordable pay-and-play tennis, coaching for all ages and abilities, school engagement programmes, community open days, SEND tennis sessions, cardio tennis activities and opportunities for local people to become coaches and volunteers.

The appointment comes after an extensive review of the council’s tennis provision, which identified the need for investment and a sustainable long-term operating model to secure the future of public tennis courts.

Further updates on court improvements and opportunities will be shared in due course.