For the first time, British tennis now has an offer in place to support the delivery of tennis in Further Education as the Tennis Foundation and Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) continue to develop new ways to grow the number of young people participating, competing, volunteering and coaching tennis.
Over 45 colleges across England, Scotland and Wales were supported during 2011-2012 with 75 colleges set to be on board for the 2012 - 2013 academic year.
Tennis is getting flexible to attract students to the game and colleges are being supported by the Tennis Foundation and local LTA Tennis Development Managers to make links with local coaches and tennis venues. Colleges can access a range of support and resources aimed across six key areas: curriculum support, enrichment support, workforce development, competition, performance, and linking with local tennis venues.
Colleges play a significant role in maintaining and growing their students' interest in sport and physical activity, and they are looking for creative ways to encourage an increase in regular participation and a reduction in drop out of young people aged 16 to19 years. The flexibility of British tennis' FE tennis offer has been well received by the colleges and students are being encouraged to pick up a racket and have some fun, as Cardio Tennis and mini tennis sessions are now starting to feature in college enrichment programmes for the first time.
Lloyd Beals from Weymouth College found a version of tennis for him when he tried out Cardio Tennis for the first time.
"Cardio tennis was a great experience and something new that really got you moving and enjoying playing tennis whilst having a good workout. I am not a tennis player but got a lot out of the session and really enjoyed it," he said.
As colleges look to broaden the opportunities they offer in training, developing and skilling students for the future, tennis can provide a variety of transferable skills and vocational experiences which will give the students a step up when it comes to higher education or career pathways.
"The tennis project has been excellent in a number of areas; raising awareness of tennis with our students, increasing participation in tennis, developing skills and experience of leaders, really inspiring young people to get involved in tennis," said Tommy Goode, Head of Sport at the College of West Anglia.
"Sports industry experience is a must for students looking to forge careers in sport and colleges are using the new offer to train and deploy sports leaders in tennis, with volunteering opportunities both within college leading enrichment and informal competitions, as well as inspiring local school pupils, disability and community groups to enjoy the game," added Christine Sprowell, Further Education Manager at the Tennis Foundation.
Find out more about tennis in further education here.
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