Charity offers free tennis sessions for Bucks residents
Inspired by the recent Centre Court action at Wimbledon? Fancy yourself as the next Cameron Norrie or Emma Raducanu? Now could be the perfect time to find out what tennis is all about, as national sports charity, Tennis for Free, with the support of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), is serving up an ace for local communities in Buckinghamshire, with the launch of a new venue, in High Wycombe, offering free coach-led tennis sessions for adults and children aged 12+.
In an exciting partnership with the council, the LTA and Tennis for Free will now provide free tennis sessions for individuals, families and carers at three locations in Bucks:
- Desborough Recreation Ground, High Wycombe - Saturday 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Bedgrove Park, Aylesbury - Saturday 4pm to 5pm
- Vale Park, Aylesbury - check website for details
The aims of the scheme are to get more people playing tennis and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of members of the local community. Schemes have been running in Aylesbury since 2019 but the venue in High Wycombe has just started.
Tennis For Free Co-founder Patrick Hollwey explained more, he said: “Together with the LTA, we are helping to make tennis more accessible to more people by removing the cost barrier that some sections of the community face, so that the entire community can play and benefit physically, mentally and socially.”
“We have created specially designed programmes to welcome families, carers and people of all ages and any ability, Tennis improves people’s mental health and TFF playing group games enhances this further. The beauty is that each session is led by qualified tennis coaches who will ensure people develop at their own pace.”
Clive Harriss, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure said: “We are very excited about the free activities being created for people to play tennis in three of our local parks through the Tennis for Free programme. All three are very accessible facilities in the heart of their community. Having easy access to local good park facilities where you can play informally with your family, carers and friends is key to encouraging people to play. And with Tennis for Free offering free sessions every weekend, people will be able to meet and make new friends, get fit and have some fun and all for no cost – it’s a win-win all round.”
To find out more about the scheme visit: www.tennisforfree.com and search for the name of the park.