11/10/10
New Tolworth Court facility opened
The new Tolworth Court sports pavilion and upgraded sports ground was officially opened on Wednesday 6 October by the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston, Councillor Chrissie Hitchcock.
The 55-acre site, owned by the University, now boasts a brand new two-storey pavilion with 14 changing rooms, a first-aid room and a large social area. New cricket squares and improved facilities have also been added to the site's 14 football pitches, two rugby pitches, and a floodlit, multi-use, hard-court area for netball, tennis and five-a-side football.
“It's a fabulous facility to be able to offer to our students and the local community,” said Phil Muschamp, Director of Sport and Recreation.
“It fits right in with our sports strategy: to widen participation in sports and physical activity; develop sporting excellence; build strong community links; to develop our students through sport and improve the overall student experience.”
Kingston students Roddy Cole (Sports Science) and Jordan Gibbens (Sports Analysis and Coaching) are keen footballers.
“We've got eight men's football teams and one women's team at Kingston so it's great to have 14 changing rooms all with their own showers,” said Roddy, who is also President of the University's football club. “We want to win our games and we think our competitors will be intimidated now when they get here. And because colleges and sports academies come here to play, kids might be more inclined to consider Kingston as their university of choice. That way we get better players!”
The Mayor mingled with guests before unveiling a framed photograph of the pavilion, aided by Director of Student Services and Administration Bruce Armstrong and Pro Vice-Chancellor Neil Latham.
“It's a pleasure to be here today. Sport has really taught me some essential life skills -how to work in a team, confidence, competitiveness – even now I don't like to lose an argument,” she said. “I believe this new space will encourage more people to get involved in sport. This can only be a good thing.”
Events on the day included a mini-tournament pitting athletes from Kingston against players from Roehampton University – Kingston won four out of five matches. The University also hosted a local schools rugby league competition, jointly organised by Kingston Schools Partnership and Harlequins Rugby League.
