Parks, clubs and other venues across Wales are throwing open their doors as part of four Great British Tennis Weekends to encourage people of all ages and abilities to try tennis for free.
The weekends are being supported by Tennis Wales and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to encourage people to try out activities such as Cardio Tennis, Mini Tennis, receive tennis coaching or simply just turn up and play with their friends and family – all completely free. The dates for the weekends are:
• Saturday 17th – Sunday 18th May
• Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd June
• Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th June
• Saturday 19th – Sunday 20th July
Among those taking part are venues in Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor, Newtown, Abergavenny, Barry, Penarth, Dinas Powys, and Mold. Many others are to be confirmed.
The 2014 Great British Tennis Weekends follow the success of last year’s one-off Great British Tennis Weekend which saw over 7,500 people take to the courts of 39 venues on a single weekend.
LTA Chief Executive, Michael Downey, said: “We are really excited to be bringing Great British Tennis Weekend back to tennis courts nationwide this summer. Tennis in Britain has enjoyed some fantastic results in the last 12 months with the Davis Cup team reaching the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup World Group and Andy having won Wimbledon last year. It’s about capitalising on the interest in our sport, so that when people at home are inspired by what our players do on court, that we offer them an opportunity to get on court without cost being an issue. We have venues nationwide and there really is something for everyone regardless as to a person’s ability. Most importantly these weekends are going to be a lot of fun that friends and families can enjoy together.”
Simon Clarke, Regional Participation Manager at Tennis Wales, added: “Tennis is one of the few sports that can be played and enjoyed by people of all ages and all abilities, and it can be played in all kinds of formats and venues.
“These weekends will highlight the huge range of opportunities available for people who want to try it out for free.”
To find out the free activities available in your area, go to www.greatbritishtennisweekend.com. Venues will have rackets and balls available.