Fletcher Moss get over 45 court bookings each week. With a growing coaching programme, the ClubSpark SmartAccess system gives volunteers and administrators peace of mind and an access system that they can rely on to take court bookings and online payments. SmartAccess has increased Fletcher Moss’s court bookings by 60% and resulted in over 2,800 court bookings booked since June 2017. With a safe and secure system, their players can easily book and play at any time without any hassle.
Keys to success with Paul Hulme of Manchester City Council.
How did you manage access (and floodlights) before SmartAccess was installed?
Previously, we didn't have floodlights installed, which limited the time's players could book. Our court access was managed via club bookings - if the club weren't using the courts, then free play was accessible to anyone.
Do you feel the SmartAccess system has improved accessibility to your venue?
Most definitely. The SmartAccess system has given us an easy way for the community to book courts at a time that suits them. It also ensures the courts are being used for tennis and no other activities such as dog walking!
Have you had feedback from players and others in the local community?
Yes, all the feedback we have received by MCC has been positive. We are pleased with how the venue now looks and the addition of the floodlighting has given the courts an all-year-round opportunity for use.
Are more people playing and/or are some people play more frequently?
Yes, we have noticed an increase in recurring court bookings. Play and Pay bookings have risen over 60% since installing the system. With introducing new players to the court in such an easy way, this has been vital to the success of Fletcher Moss.
Was your venue previously free to use?
Yes, we were open to the public for community use. We did, however, charge for club sessions.
Do you now make a charge or is it a free booking service?
We have a different charging policy offering peak and off-peak usage. There are also a number of free courts available to book each week.
Have there been any unexpected benefits?
Just how it is so simple and easy to book a court.
Has income increased at your venue?
Yes, it has given us a steady income which has generated a court and light sinking fund whilst also helping to cover ongoing system costs. It has been pleasing to see in the first 15 months of operation that we have generated the sustainable levels hoped for and this has relieved financial pressure for the long term sustainability of the park courts, becoming the first park tennis operating model in Manchester to do so.
Have there been any unexpected benefits?
Just how it is so simple and easy to book a court.
Has income increased at your venue?
Yes, it has given us a steady income which has generated a court and light sinking fund whilst also helping to cover ongoing system costs. It has been pleasing to see in the first 15 months of operation that we have generated the sustainable levels hoped for and this has relieved financial pressure for the long term sustainability of the park courts, becoming the first park tennis operating model in Manchester to do so.
The Results
Over 2,800 people actively booking online. With online booking, Fletcher Moss players have access to their courts 24/7, so they can easily search available times, book courts, reschedule and move bookings – without having to pick up the phone.
Over the last four years, Fletcher Moss Gardens tennis developments have been the result of collaborative work between Fletcher Moss Community Tennis Club, Manchester City Council and the LTA. Interest in developing tennis in the park was initially spearheaded by Fletcher Moss Community Tennis - a tennis club delivering structured activities in the park. By working in partnership with the local council and LTA, the first objective was to revive playable courts in the park which was done through an improvement programme on the shale surface.
The well utilised and rejuvenated courts demonstrated an appetite from local players to use the courts which lead to an investment from Manchester City Council and LTA, to develop floodlit, year-round playable courts with SmartAccess technology in place.
The results have been excellent and have already shown sustainable levels of income from pay and play within the first year of operation that has covered both the sinking fund and technology costs, providing a fantastic platform for further sustainable growth of accessible tennis in the future.
Finally, what would you say to a venue considering using Club Spark?
“Take your players on the journey with you and progress at a pace that suits your players with SmartAccess” – Paul Hulme, Commissioning Officer, Manchester City Council