2019 has been a landmark year for Tennis for free, and we are proud that our program is now widely viewed as having a positive impact on breaking the barriers for participation in Tennis. And, more importantly in bringing the benefits of playing tennis and becoming actively engaged in sport to as many young people and families as possible - particularly those from under-privileged backgrounds.
In 2004 there were 30,000 public park tennis courts in the UK and today there are less than 10,000*. Tennis for free continue to aim to salvage and create free 'walk on and play' facilities on as many of these courts as possible. By driving significant activity to public park courts, we remain confident that councils will not destroy them.
Aside from our Big Tennis Weekend that was so successful in March. We are now poised to launch a wave of new site up and down the UK. These sites are launching on Saturday as follows
Saturday June 22nd
Mary Baily - Frome, Somerset - 3pm-4.30pm (relaunch)
Canford Park - Bristol - 1pm-2.30pm
St Georges Park - Bristol - 3pm-4.30pm
Downshill Park - London - 11am-12.30pm.
Albury outdoor Sports Centre - Aberdeen - 2pm-3pm (Lite site)
Annan Seaforth - Dumfriesshire - 5pm-6pm (Lite site)
Ayr Fort Tennis Courts - Ayrshire - 10am-11.30pm
Meadows Tennis - Edinburgh - 1.15pm-2.45pm
Victoria Park Tennis Courts - Dundee - 2.30pm-4pm
Sunday June 23rd
Zetland Park - Grangemouth - 10am-11.30pm (TBC)
If you have yet to experience Tennis for free, each session is 1.5 hours in length with the first hour delivered by a team of coaches with the second half hour as open play. During the first hour you will take part in drill based games and fun activities, which are suitable for everyone. In the second half
As Tennis for free continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, it is vital that we continue to understand how we are supporting the communities in which we are active, and what more we can do in the future.
To register for Tennis for free in your community click here.
Alternatively, if you would like to find out more about running Tennis for free at your park/ club then click here.