A new generation of budding Andy Murrays could be on the cards thanks to a new Kids Zone at the Camvale Tennis Club in Paulton.
Previously unused land next to the club has been transformed into a purpose built mini-tennis court aimed at players from the age of four through to 12.
The court measures just 12 metres by six metres with a net that is only 80 centimetres high.
The mini tennis players use balls that are made our of foam or felt and are 75 per cent slower than standard tennis balls.
The idea is to help local youngsters progress from mini tennis through to the full court game in a fun, friendly and safe environment with the courts open all year.
As well as providing extra space for the coaches to teach and help the youngsters learning hand/eye co-ordination and ball and racket control the new zone is open for other ball games and activities.
The project cost in the region of £14,500 with grants coming from local councillors Liz Hardman and John Bull, the Quartet Community Foundation, Sperring Trust, Rackvernal Old School Trust, Midsomer Norton Town Council and local builder Ken Biggs.
The club runs pay and play sessions open to all young people from the local community and surrounding areas between the age of four and 16 on a Saturday morning.
On Saturday Mrs Hardman cut the ribbon to officially open the new zone as the courts were thrown open to the public for an afternoons of tennis.
A large crowd of children and parents took advantage, helped and supervised by coaches and club members.
Head Coach and Club Secretary, Brian Wessell, said: “A highlight was 'Cardio Tennis', a fun session of tennis to music which was entered into by around 20 children and then about 30 of the mums and dads and club members.
“The club is enjoying it's busiest year ever.”
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Article by Somerset Guardian