Matakana Tennis Club anticipates having new floodlights built and operational before Christmas, thanks to a grant from Pub Charity.
President Matt Vyle says the lights will be a big boost for the club, with twilight hours providing more opportunity for members to play and coaches to work with juniors.
Although the funding grant has given the club the confidence to go ahead with the project, it is still a little short of the cash to meet the total cost.
Vyle is inviting members to renew their membership now if it has lapsed, to help with cashflow.
Vyle took up the role of president this year after winning the 2021 men’s championship.
He says the club has big plans for the future and is looking towards fundraising for a clubhouse and a fourth court.
The club board and the Matakana Community Group are intending to apply for a grant from a $15 million recreation fund administered by Auckland Council to realise the projects.
The club is also creating sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, which would allow them to have their livery displayed on the new clubhouse.
Meanwhile, tennis clubs are awaiting advice from the Government about what type of play can resume under current Covid restrictions. Vyle says bubbles of up to 25 in an outdoor environment would seem to permit club use.
Matakana Tennis Club was unable to hold its social tournament last month, but is looking forward to its open championship early next year and its club championship in May.
