Campbell Tennis club part of government grant to 'unlock' tennis courts with online booking system

The Campbell Tennis Club will receive funding as part of a $200,000 federal government grant to connect a further 40 courts with an online booking and payment system.

The Campbell club will join more than 100 Canberra courts already using the system, across 17 clubs.

Forty clubs will receive funding towards installing the system, which Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said encouraged people to take up 

The funding, which will be announced on Tuesday, will see an online booking system installed for players, allowing them to pay and receive an access code to use the courts and lights at their chosen time.

"We are no unlocking tennis clubs around Australia by providing flexible and convenient access to players at all levels, an innovative solution that is encouraging more people to take to the court," Mr Tiley said.

Mr Tiley said the days of having to locate a club member and get the keys for the courts before playing were over.

"Making courts and clubs easier to access will help us bring more people – from seasoned players who may have taken a break from tennis to first-timers – on court and into clubs to enjoy our great sport," he said.

Mr Tiley said research had found playing sport could increase a person's life up to 7.5 years.

The funding is part of the federal government's Sport 2030 national plan, which aims to reduce inactivity levels in Australia by 15 per cent by 2030.

Sports minister Bridget McKenzie said Australia had a long history of playing tennis and the system would help more people to get involved with the sport.

"We are encouraging all Australians to lead healthy and active lifestyles and potentially enearthing the next Australian Open champion," Senator McKenzie said.

The online system is already used by 165 venues around Australia, with players able to book more than 1000 courts.