LTA opens new clay court centre in Hertfordshire as part of £1m+ investment across Britain

The opening on Monday 15 June, coincided with the LTA 11U International Team Trophy bringing some of the world’s top young players to compete on the new courts and underlining the venue’s role in developing future British tennis talent. The event which runs through the week will see Great Britain take on teams from South Korea, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Belgium. Former players at the event include Britains’s Jack Draper, Emma Raducanu and Laura Robson and from Europe Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric from Croatia.  

The new eight-court facility at Queenswood near Potter’s Bar forms a key part of the LTA’s strategy to expand access to clay court tennis across Great Britain. Alongside recent developments at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton and the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre, the investment is helping to build a network of high-quality clay courts to support player development at every level.

Clay courts are widely recognised as essential in developing well-rounded and resilient players. The slower surface encourages longer rallies, demanding greater patience, consistency and tactical awareness, while also improving movement and balance. The physical and mental demands of clay court tennis help players problem-solve under pressure and adapt their game - all critical skills for success in international competition.

Historically, access to clay courts in Britain has been limited, often requiring players to travel overseas for extended training periods. The LTA’s investment in Red Plus Clay, a surface that closely replicates traditional red clay while being more suited to the British climate, enables a longer playing season and more consistent training opportunities at home.

By increasing access to clay environments, the LTA aims to reduce barriers for young players and ensure they are better prepared to compete on the global stage, where clay remains one of the most important surfaces in the sport. 

Bridie Amos, Deputy President of the LTA, who attended the opening, said: “This investment is about giving British players the tools they need to succeed. Clay courts play a crucial role in developing more resilient, adaptable athletes and, by expanding access here in the UK, we’re creating more opportunities for players to train, compete and progress without needing to go abroad.

“We will continue to invest over the coming years to create clay court training and competition hubs strategically located across Britain.”

Jo Cameron, Principal of Queenswood, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the LTA on this investment in British tennis. The new courts not only provide world-class facilities for developing players but also inspires the next generation by bringing international competition to Queenswood.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our school community to be part of something that will have a lasting impact on player development in this country.”

This inaugural event welcomed invited guests and the competing teams to celebrate the launch of the state-of-the-art facility, marking its role in shaping the future of British tennis. The school will officially open the centre in September to the wider community with a weekend event featuring exhibition matches and opportunities to play on the new courts.