TENNIS star Andy Murray, and the Davis Cup, by BNP Paribas, visited The University of Stirling today as part of a national trophy tour of Great Britain which launched earlier this year.

Following Great Britain’s historic win against Belgium in the 2015 Davis Cup final, when the Aegon GB Davis Cup team hoisted the trophy for the first time in 79 years, the Lawn Tennis Associations (LTA) wanted to celebrate this momentous occasion by delivering the Davis Cup trophy tour across the country and inspiring a new generation to pick up racket and get involved in tennis. The Trophy has travelled more than 13,500 miles, visited over 100 locations, and met over 63,000 people during its nation-wide tour, which has included every county and major British tennis tournament, to thank the tennis community including players, coaches, venues and volunteers who supported the team on its incredible journey. The event at the University of Stirling gave children from local schools in Dunblane and Stirling, CHAS Rachel’s House and members of the university’s tennis club a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and be pictured with the impressive Davis Cup, while also meeting Davis Cup hero, Wimbledon champion and Olympic gold medallist, Andy Murray and have a go at taking part in tennis activities to inspire them to play.

Andy said: “I am proud to be back in Scotland with the Davis Cup and for the opportunity to share what was an incredible moment personally and also for all involved, with the community. Stirling in particular played a huge part in mine and my brother’s tennis careers as the indoor facilities are where we played during the harsh Scottish winters, and countless rainy days.

“Being a part of something that will hopefully encourage others to get involved and choose tennis as part of their everyday lives is an amazing feeling and it’s important to ensure a lasting legacy follows the team’s historic achievements. I am immensely proud to be part of this incredible team and although the semi-final wasn’t the result we wanted, hopefully we will still have inspired the next generation of tennis stars.”

Cathie Sabin, LTA president, added: “To be able to share this incredible achievement with the British people and the fans that loyally supported the team all the way to the end, is a special moment for all. Success has a way of inspiring and captivating a nation and the ultimate goal for the trophy tour is to bring more children and adults into our great sport, while also thanking the tennis community for believing we could do it.”

Andy was accompanied on the day by mother Judy Murray, as part of her work for Tennis on the Road, a movement to increase coaching capacity in Scotland and across the UK and grow the game at a grassroots level. Supported by the LTA, the programme shows parents, teachers, volunteers and coaches how to deliver starter tennis in their local areas using whatever space they have. Judy said: “There’s a huge opportunity right now to grow tennis throughout the UK and we believe it’s all about investing in people to make this a reality. Through Tennis on the Road we aim to inspire the next generation and give more adults and kids the chance to be involved by building a workforce of coaches, teachers, parents, volunteers and students. It’s fantastic for Andy to be able to bring the Davis Cup trophy back to Scotland and share the victory with the community.”