Tennis is not just a game for many of us in Renfrew and the surrounding areas; it is a passion, a lifestyle, and a community builder. Our club, with its rich heritage in the sport, has been a beacon for tennis enthusiasts for decades. Personally, tennis is a huge part of my life and the lives of many others in our community. Losing our cherished courts could signal the end of competitive team tennis for our club—a club that boasts one of the largest box leagues in the UK. This isn't simply a loss for tennis; it represents a significant potential decline in our club’s membership and an end to the environment many of us hold dear.

The decision by David Lloyd Renfrew to transform two of our precious outdoor courts into Padel courts is not just a mere infrastructure change. It could profoundly affect our position in the competitive tennis landscape of the West of Scotland divisions. Currently, our ability to host and compete in matches is dependent on the availability of outdoor courts capable of meeting the demands of the sport and its players. Allowing the conversion of these courts could severely restrict our opportunities.

In light of this, we propose a more balanced and feasible solution that retains our beloved sport's essence while accommodating the interests of all parties involved. We urge David Lloyd Renfrew to consider converting the outdoor courts 5 & 6 into Padel courts. This approach maintains the integrity of our outdoor courts for tennis, essential for year-round training and competition, and at the same time caters to the burgeoning interest in Padel.

Statistics consistently show that communities with access to comprehensive sports facilities witness significant social benefits, including enhanced community cohesion and increased fitness levels across all ages. By preserving our main courts for tennis and adapting slightly less used facilities for Padel, we can ensure that both our cherished traditions and the exciting new opportunities Padel brings can coexist.

Help safeguard the future of tennis in our community by signing this petition. Your signature is a stand for preserving both our heritage and the diversity of sporting opportunities David Lloyd Renfrew. Join us in this crucial endeavour to keep our courts, our games, and our community alive and thriving. Sign the petition today to support this integral cause!