With St. Jame’s Park as the backdrop, Active Newcastle welcomed hundreds to take part in Sport Relief Mile at Leazes Park Saturday March 12th 2016.
Active Newcastle ran the event to create a family fun festival day, with the aim of showcasing the sports offer across the city but most importantly raise money for Sport Relief.
Approximately 30 sport enthusiasts took part in a range of tennis activities including; mini tennis, and Tennis Factory. There was something for all ages and abilities with the Active Newcastle Team creating a festival theme for the whole family.
Jo Cunliffe (Regional Tennis Participation Manager) was delighted to welcome tennis at the event,
“Today was about raising money for Sport Relief and it was simply great to have tennis involved. The mini tennis and Tennis Factory were perfect for families to come and give the sport a try. I spoke to one parent whose boys play for hours outside their house in Newcastle and the Mum was really interested in going along to the Tennis For Free sessions taking place at Gosforth Central Park. We look forward to seeing them there!”
Many local volunteers and coaches helped out during the day showing players simple and easy ways to play tennis. You could see the improvement within minutes, after the players put in to practice advice they were given from the coaches. This gave a sense of encouragement and enjoyment to the players and seeing them walk away with huge smiles on their faces was brilliant!
Local coaches; Clayton Nagel and Alison Cartmell, were on hand to help along with support from volunteers, Kelly Edmund and Lucy Scott from Northumbria University and local junior players; Cole and Bayley Cartmell.
For more information either visit activenewcastle.co.uk or to find a playing partner, local court or coach visit LTA.org.uk