Para-Athlete Chloe Ball-Hopkins helped open Sodbury Tennis Clubs new facilities.

The event was staged last month and Ball-Hopkins officially cut the ribbon the new and improved building.

Their new facility is now more suitable to cater for an array of disabilities and enables the club to be more inclusive. It’s also a modern secluded space for players and coaches to relax in.

Building work started in October 2017 and by July 2018, the work was completed ready for the grand re-opening.

Ball-Hopkins is a wheelchair user herself and was able to use all the facilities independently – and, even enjoy a knock about on the court with Vice-Chairman Gordon Runcie, after several years of not playing the game.

When asked what she thought about the club, local girl Chloe said: “I am one of the guilty ones for not knowing this club was here, but it’s such a friendly and relaxing environment to be in, whether that’s to watch or play. It’s a club I will certainly be returning to so I can play again”.

The Club extension was funded through grants from Enovert Community Trust and Ibstock Enovert Trust, as well as Chipping Sodbury’s Town Lands Charity.

An interest free loan was awarded from the LTA and together with club funds, the project was born.

The grand re-opening, held on Saturday, September 1 and it was described as a landmark day for the club.

Sodbury have an active committee and exciting plans for the future to look forward to.

The club runs sessions for people of all ages and abilities, from juniors to seniors and from social to competitive league play.

Disabilities tennis sessions started this summer and have proved to be very successful. Club Chairman Annie Griffin said: "Inclusivity is so important and with the new facilities we want to encourage and invite a diverse range of groups from the local community to join us -especially anyone interested in wheelchair tennis and those wanting to return to the sport they once loved.

"Being inclusive of all members of society is so important and as a club that’s an area we’d keen to expand."

For more information on the club visit sodburytennisclub.org.uk.