The Anguilla Tennis Academy(ATA), a non-profit organization dedicated to teaching children to become empowered through the sport of tennis, recently finalized a contract in which it would immediately begin to manage the tennis facility at Malliouhana Hotel and Spa. In the past two years, the ATA has worked diligently to upgrade its programs and hire and train local tennis pros. Recently, the tennis director for Malliouhana Hotel, Andy Matthew, decided to go overseas to pursue his career. As a result, an agreement was reached between the ATA and Malliouhana Hotel that allowed the ATA to assume control of the daily operations of the tennis programmes.

Malliouhana Hotel and Spa is the premier upscale resort in the Caribbean (according to Condé Nast Traveler) and has an impressive tennis facility. Currently, there are four hard courts of which two are cushioned. Moreover, there is a beautiful tennis pro shop located below the Spa which contains a great selection of tennis merchandise including rackets, shoes, shorts, shirts and other tennis accessories. Jason Allen, Director of the ATA, has appointed Vallan Hodge, one of the ATA’s rising stars, as the head professional of the resort. When asked about Vallan Hodge’s new responsibilities, Jason mentioned, “Vallan is an exceptional young adult who in the past year has grown so much, he is now our top assistant professional. I am excited for him as he now has a chance to continue to grow as a head professional at one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and prestigious resorts.”

The ATA, now in its 12th year of operation, has made many positive strides both in youth development and construction of its world class tennis facility. Despite the fact that the facility is not yet on stream, the ATA’s many programmes still continue to function at a towering level. It is difficult, however, to sustain a top-notch program financially and for this reason, the ATA is very proud and thankful for the opportunity to manage Malliouhana Hotel and Spa from both a monetary and operational perspective. This new partnership will help subsidize the ATA’s after school programmes as well as its award winning summer camp. So far, five of the six tennis pros that are currently employed by the ATA are all past participants of the Academy’s programmes. The ATA plans to continue providing job opportunities for interested graduates of its programmes now that they are managing both Cuisinart Resort and Spa and Malliouhana Hotel and Spa.

Mitchelle Lake, Founder and President of the ATA commented, “On behalf of the ATA Board, I want to express sincere gratitude to the management of Malliouhana Hotel for this opportunity. Our team will work diligently to strengthen this partnership to ensure that it is mutually beneficial for both parties. As the ATA grows from strength to strength, I trust that other resorts will consider establishing a partnership with the ATA.” Malliouhana’s Manager, Mr. Nigel Roydon, was equally happy to be able to support the ATA. He witnessed, first hand, the ATA’s summer programme for the past 11 years as the programme had been held at Malliouhana’s courts. Mr Roydon stated, “We are thrilled to be working with the ATA and are looking forward to their positive approach to tennis at Malliouhana Hotel & Spa.”

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