As Skipton Tennis Centre undergoes significant expansion, including two new canopied padel courts, its partnership with Bradford Grammar School remains central to its vision. Together, they are not only providing opportunities for people of all ages to play both tennis and padel, but also building a vibrant community grounded in shared values and a commitment to overall wellness.
Skipton Tennis Centre (STC) and Bradford Grammar School (BGS) continue to strengthen their strategic partnership and have a shared vision to create more opportunities for people across Yorkshire and beyond.
United by a shared commitment to promoting wellness and sporting opportunities, the collaboration exemplifies both institutions’ efforts to create a vibrant, safe and inclusive environment.
Since its inception in 2008, STC has grown into a premier sports facility, featuring five tennis courts and becoming one of the first clubs in the UK to introduce a padel court. Today, the centre serves over 500 players and supports a further 1,400 individuals who play weekly through the centre’s outreach programme. With ambitious plans for further expansion, STC is poised to enhance its offerings and continue growing its vibrant community.
The centre’s founder, Adam Cox, said the close relationship with BGS remains a cornerstone of STC’s ongoing success. “Our collaboration with Bradford Grammar School has not only amplified our reach but also deepened our impact within the community,” said Adam, 42. “Together, we’re not just teaching tennis and padel, we’re building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, make friends and be social.”
The partnership is mutually beneficial. For BGS, it offers students opportunities to engage in high-quality tennis programs, while for STC, it provides a platform to reach a wider audience. BGS has provided the club access to its facilities, including the all-weather sports barn, and supported various events, enhancing the club’s outreach efforts.
Dr Simon Hinchliffe, Headmaster at BGS, said the strong alignment of values helped develop the strategic partnership.
“Our partnership thrives because our values align, and together we share a vision for encouraging people to be active and benefit from competitive sport played in the right spirit,” he said. “This connection enriches both Skipton Tennis Centre and Bradford Grammar School, and the young people of our region are the chief beneficiaries.”
STC will continue to develop robust outreach programs, including offering tennis sessions to local schools. This initiative is part of STC’s mission to grow the game and to stay relevant.
Looking ahead, the partnership promises to help drive further innovation and growth at STC. Plans are already underway to expand the centre’s facilities, including the construction of additional padel courts, supported by a significant investment of over £370,000. This expansion is set to meet the growing demand for padel and will help keep STC relevant in the racket sport industry.
Adam said: “We’re always looking to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. Our goal is to create a facility that not only meets current demand but anticipates future growth as well as diversifying what we offer.
“Most importantly, we want our centre to be the most accessible facilities in the region. Being inclusive, welcoming and creating a space that makes people feel good.
He said the ongoing partnership with BGS is instrumental in promoting both tennis and padel.
“BGS shares our core values of resilience, innovation and community improvement,” Adam continued. “Our collaboration has allowed us to deliver tennis programs to a broader audience; it’s a partnership that truly resonates with our mission to make tennis accessible to all. This mission is truly a team effort.”
Dr Hinchliffe described Adam, his wife Ella and the leadership team of Jonny and Ueli, who meticulously manage the day-to-day operations of STC, as ‘inspirational’. He added: “They’ve grown the centre from the ground up in a principled, values-driven manner. It’s not just about tennis or sport; it’s about building a community focused on physical activity, respectful competition and healthy living.”
“Our collaboration with Bradford Grammar School has not only amplified our reach but also deepened our impact within the community”
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