Serving up community spirit: tennis courts and pavilion revitalised
Parks, sports and leisure12 November 2025
Working in partnership with Kettering Tennis Club, North Northamptonshire Council has successfully refurbished the community room and tennis courts at Northampton Road Pavilion, thanks to a £68,882 grant from FCC Communities Foundation.
The funding was used to resurface four outdoor tennis courts, install new outdoor seating, and refurbish the community room within the pavilion in Kettering. The project was made possible thanks to a third-party contribution of £7,404.82 from Kettering Tennis Club’s own funds.
The refurbishment has made a huge difference to the facilities, providing a real boost for residents in Kettering and the surrounding areas. It’s fantastic that FCC Communities Foundation awarded the funding, and we look forward to the refurbished facilities increasing usage and encouraging more people to take up tennis. Activities such as tennis can bring people together across all ages and abilities, supporting not only physical health but also social wellbeing — helping people stay active, connected, and engaged in their community.Councillor Brian Benneyworth, Executive Member for Health and Leisure at North Northamptonshire Council
The tennis courts are open and available for members of the public to book and play, as well as Kettering Tennis Club members. The official opening will link into the clubs open day in April 2026.
FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
We’re delighted to support the Northampton Road Pavilion and Tennis Courts project and pleased that our funding has allowed both facilities to be refurbished for the benefit of the local community. FCC Communities Foundation is always happy to consider grant applications for projects that make a meaningful difference, and we’re thrilled to see this one come to life.Cheryl Raynor, FCC Communities Foundation Grant Manager
With additional funding from Kettering Tennis Club, the refurbishment project was made possible.
Kettering Tennis Club are thrilled to see this project come to life. Thanks to the incredible support from North Northants Council and the FCC Communities Fund, we can now offer a higher quality tennis experience that will serve our community for years to come. The Club will be celebrating the milestone with their annual community Open Day to launch the new season on 4 April 2026, welcoming players, supporters, and local residents to explore the enhanced facilities and enjoy free tennis.Christopher Todd, Chairperson for the Kettering Tennis Club committee
Kettering Tennis Club continues to build on its vision of expanding tennis opportunities across the area and we are hopeful that we can provide additional courts and the introduction of new sports such as padel tennis in the future. This is more than just an investment in courts, it’s an investment in community health, connection, and the next generation of players.