Around 30 allplay tennis enthusiasts didn’t let the rain spoil their Leazes Park Open Day on 22nd April 2012.
All of the participants who were from across the City had a great time with them trying Cardio Tennis and Touch Tennis, which are modified versions of the full court game.
Cardio ‘Carl’ led the fitness based session, which saw an amazing 16 players of varying standards being put through their paces under the magnificent backdrop of St Jame’s Park. On the adjacent courts we witnessed a fun packed Touch Tennis doubles competition. The players were competing on badminton sized courts and used smaller rackets and bigger balls. Some of the rallies were incredible with beginners to improvers enjoying the fun competitive challenge to use touch and feel shots against power!
Near to the end of the event we were also lucky to see Max and Lily who were with Anne from Gosforth. Anne is a member of Gosforth Tennis Club but had seen the advert for the Leazes Park event and wanted to bring the children along. Jo who was helping lead the Open day took them on court with help from Verity who is a third year student at Northumbria University. Both Jo and Verity were inspired by what both Lily and Max achieved and spoke to Anne following the session. Anne was keen to get the kids into a local programme and highlighted that tennis is a sport for everyone of all ages and standards,
“I have played tennis and used to play competitively. The Leazes Park Open day was brilliant. I got to see new versions of the game and the adults taking part were clearly having tonnes of fun. I’m also really chuffed with how Lily and Max did and I’m now hoping to get them into a local place to let them learn the game!”
LTA Tennis Development Manager for the area launched the Newcastle allplay challenge in February 2012, which has already seen over 100 people sign up to www.allplaytennis.com
The campaign in Newcastle has been supported by Northumbria University students, Sport Central, Leazes Park Tennis Club, Newcastle City Council along with Nick Bennett, Taryn Dale and Katherine Mills from Newcastle University.
LTA Tennis Development Manager Jo is excited about the Newcastle allplay challenge. She said: “allplaytennis.com helps encourage more people to play tennis by providing information about where to play, other players in the area and coaching available. The website is a fantastic resource with over 8,000 people around the country signing up for free."
There are a number of prizes up for grabs, including £60 worth of individual coaching lessons and Babolat rackets for everyone who signs up to www.allplaytennis.com on the day. The Newcastle allplay challenge will continue at other venues over the next six months and winner and runner up will be drawn in July 2012.
For more information either visit www.allplaytennis.com or contact British Tennis North East & Cumbria on 0191 522 5005 or NEandCumbria@LTA.org.uk.