A new chapter for community sport in West Lothian has begun with the official opening of Murieston Tennis and Sports Club (MTSC) in Livingston.
The non-profit initiative is four years in the making and is already transforming opportunities for local people to get active.
The facility, located in Murieston is a registered venue with Tennis Scotland and features three high-quality tennis courts and a floodlit multi-use games area (MUGA), creating a versatile space for sports including tennis, basketball, netball, pickleball and football.
With 125 members already signed up and growing, MTSC is quickly establishing itself as a cornerstone of the Livingston South Community Sport and Wellbeing Hub.
Murieston Tennis and Sports Club is a core part of Livingston South Community Sport and Wellbeing Hub, which is part of the national sportscotland Community Sport Hub network and supported by West Lothian Council.
Funded by The National Lottery, the Community Sport Hub programme brings sports clubs and community organisations together to create stronger, safer, more sustainable and inclusive hubs, helping to increase the impact of sport and physical activity across communities in Scotland.
A collaborative approach
MTSC is the result of years of determination by a small group of dedicated volunteers who shared a vision: to create a welcoming, inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds could access sport and physical activity.
That vision was made possible through a combination of grassroots fundraising and strategic investment.
Club members raised £350,000, complemented by £160,000 from West Lothian Council’s Place Based Investment Programme, with additional support from sportscotland, West Lothian Development Trust and the Benzies Foundation.
The project also received £100,000 of investment from sportscotland, helping to transform a former cricket ground into a vibrant multi-sport hub for the Murieston community. Delivered in partnership with Tennis Scotland, West Lothian Council and local stakeholders, the project demonstrates the impact of collaborative investment in creating accessible, high-quality sporting opportunities. sportscotland was proud to support the development and work closely with partners to help bring the community’s vision to life.
The official opening ceremony, led by West Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant Moira Niven, brought together community members, partners and supporters to celebrate the achievement.
MTSC Chair Andy Bull said:
“Our goal has been to encourage and enable healthy activities for all ages and backgrounds by delivering this fantastic new facility in Murieston.
“Huge thanks go to sportscotland, West Lothian Council, West Lothian Development Trust and the Benzies Foundation for backing our vision.
“This is very much a community facility, with local people donating to see it delivered and local companies playing a key role in its construction. We hope to continue to grow and establish ourselves as a key part of the community.”
A hub of activity for all
The facility is already seeing good levels of engagement and activity. Tennis coaching sessions for adults and children are underway, while regular social tennis nights on Thursdays and pickleball sessions on Fridays are proving especially popular. Local netball club West Lothian Netters has also begun using the MUGA for training and matches.
MTSC is actively working in partnership with West Lothian Council’s Active Schools programme, local scout groups and sports clubs to increase participation, particularly among young people.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick praised the project:
“It is remarkable what the hard-working volunteers have achieved in delivering such a superb facility for the Livingston South and wider West Lothian community.
I would encourage local residents to come along and see what the new facilities have to offer, with plenty of opportunities for healthy and fun activities.”
Inclusion, impact and opportunity
At the heart of MTSC’s mission is inclusivity. The club is committed to removing barriers to participation by offering open access, free equipment and subsidised opportunities for those who need it most. Planned summer camps, with funded places for disadvantaged children, aim to ensure everyone has the chance to get involved.
The impact is already being felt across the community:
Participation: A growing, diverse membership with strong engagement from women, girls and young people
Partnerships: Collaboration with schools, community organisations, local clubs and the council
Targeted support: Funding directed towards making sport accessible for disadvantaged groups
Volunteering: A strong volunteer base driving community engagement and club development
Community benefit: Use of local suppliers, improved land use and integration with Livingston Cricket Club
Meeting community need
Coaches and volunteers have already noticed an increase in confidence and enthusiasm among young participants using the facility.
Glenn Marsters, Community Sport Coordinator at West Lothian Civic Centre, highlighted the broader significance:
“This project has exceeded all of my expectations. The most satisfying aspect is seeing how much the community has engaged with it. It is literally changing lives in small but effective ways.”
With tournaments, team matches, free open days and expanded programmes planned, MTSC is only just getting started. Its success demonstrates the power of community-led sport to bring people together, improve wellbeing and create lasting opportunities.
As the Livingston South Community Sport and Wellbeing Hub continues to grow, Murieston Tennis and Sports Club stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.
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