The University of Stirling tennis club has been encouraging more people to pick up a racket and give tennis a go after holding two disability tennis festivals ahead of new sessions beginning at Gannochy Sports Centre.
The Tennis Foundation, in conjunction with the University of Stirling tennis club and Scottish Disability Sport, has introduced two new sessions that will run for a seven-week trial. They commenced last week and the launch was celebrated with two festivals. The sessions will run to May 27 and will take place on Mondays 1-2pm and Wednesdays 6-7pm.
The events were run by students who helped coach six tennis-themed activities over two hours to allow individuals and groups of all abilities to see how fun and accessible tennis is.
The Tennis Foundation helped prepare the students for their work at the festival by hosting them on a disability awareness course.
And much of the local community was encouraged to promote the day and get involved in the festivals which were delivered by experienced and qualified student LTA coaches.
Holly Smith, the University of Stirling Tennis Co-ordinator, said: "The disability tennis events have been a great success; as a result the university tennis club has been approached by local support groups wanting to get their members more involved in tennis.
"The enthusiasm of our tennis club members to host this event was fantastic; we were inundated with volunteers which allowed the individuals who attended to receive close attention and encouragement.
"We hope to hold another event in the future to build on the success of the days."
James Swanson, the tennis club president, added: "It was great to show that tennis is accessible to everyone. By using balloons and hand paddles tennis was fun and achievable for all."
For more information about the seven-week tennis sessions please contact holly.smith@stir.ac.uk.
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