Former England and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell hopes the redeveloped Abbotts Park tennis courts will provide young people with the opportunity to take part in the sport.

A refurbished pavilion, along with four resurfaced courts and two mini courts - specifically for Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) mini tennis programmes for three to ten year olds - now provide increased access to the local community.

The now completed project was made possible after a £107,000 grant from the LTA, with support from Sport England.

An additional £360,000 was provided after the council agreed a deal with the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) for use of Drapers Field during London 2012.

Campbell said he was pleased to see the investment being made by both the LTA and the local council to provide accessible opportunities for children in the area.

He added: "I’m all about promoting sport in inner city communities, in particular to get children motivated and active.

"Sport is a great tool to encourage young children to work as a team and value competition and the investment being made here at Abbotts Park and around the host boroughs through the LTA and local councils provides a good opportunity to accessible sport on their doorsteps."

The work forms part of a major £5 million leisure boost for Leyton which will see the area overhauled and boosted with brand new sports facilities throughout the next few years. Chris Robbins, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, said: "This is a great boost for local people whether they use the courts for an occasional knockabout or have their sights set on Wimbledon.

"The Olympics have allowed us to make major improvements to this part of London, with £5 million alone earmarked for local parks and sports facilities meaning we can offer our residents more than ever before when it comes to leisure opportunities."

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