PEOPLE of all ages can try out tennis for free every Saturday between 10am and 11.30am after the sessions were launched at Lickey Hills Golf Club, Rose Hill, last weekend.
The coaching at Lickey Hills Golf Club, Rose Hill, will be given by qualified instructors and people do not even need a racket or ball as all equipment will be provided.
The sessions are being run for a whole year, thanks to an exciting partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), and it is hoped they will improve the physical and mental wellbeing of all members of the community.
Professional coach Zahied Iqbal, who is leading the sessions, said he was very excited and urged people to come and have a go.
“The Tennis For Free scheme is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to try tennis for either the first time, or to dust off the cobwebs after a time away from the sport.
“It’s a fun, friendly and entertaining free weekly event where you’ll make new friends and benefit from regular exercise.
“There is no catch, as the name suggests, everything is free.”
Tennis For Free CEO Paul Jessop said: “We are changing the image of tennis to a sport for ALL by removing the cost barrier so that members of all communities can play and benefit physically, mentally and socially.
“The new Lickey Tennis For Free site is one of hundreds of schemes we are opening across the UK over the next five years as part of our plan to get more people playing this wonderful sport. We have created specially designed programmes to welcome families, the old and the young, of any ability and the beauty is that each session is led by qualified tennis coaches who will ensure people develop at their own pace.
“But it’s not just about the playing. We have seen at our other schemes that small friendly community groups grow.
“This social cohesion is great to see especially for those who may not think tennis is for them but is for another member of their family. People can still stay involved and help run the schemes. We are always looking for local volunteers to grow the game, indeed some of our most successful and sustainable schemes across the UK have the coaches supported by a team of volunteers who organise further events which all contributes towards everyone’s wellbeing.”
Anna Birkinshaw from the LTA said: “We are very excited about the free activities being created for people to play tennis in Lickey through the Tennis for Free programme.
“People will be able to play informally with family and friends which is really important in encouraging people to play.
“But Tennis For Free is also about the ability to meet new people and develop friendships, taking regular exercise and simply having fun. It isn’t about finding the next Andy Murray, but about making tennis accessible to all.”
Sign up for Tennis For Free at Lickey Hills tennis courts every Saturday between 10am and 11:30am at www.tennisforfree.com.
You can also follow Tennis For Free on Twitter and Facebook @tennisforfree
