We may have waved a sorrowful goodbye to Wimbledon for another year, but if you’ve still got games, sets and matches on the brain, you’re going to want to hear this. A brand new (and completely free) tennis scheme is launching across the country, set to become the ‘Park Run’ of the tennis world.
Aiming to encourage more people to get involved in the sport that had the eyes of eight million viewers glued to the final; Barclays, the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), and broadcast journalist, Clare Balding, have put their heads together and created Free Park Tennis. A scheme that absolutely anybody can take a swing at.
Tennis is a notoriously elitist sport, so in a bid to make it more accessible to the general public, these free tennis sessions are being served up at local parks across the UK. Each week, you can just sign up to your local session (regardless of your age or ability) and whack a little yellow ball back-and-forth (or at least attempt to) for free. Simple!
These one-hour weekly sessions are the perfect place to brush up your tennis skills, inhale some fresh air, get your daily steps in, and meet new people. Equipment will be provided for you, so even if you’ve never held a tennis racket in your life, they’ve got you covered.
The sessions will take place every weekend (either Saturday or Sunday) at 10am and will involve a variety of games and activities to help you improve your tennis skills. Sessions will run all year round, led by a group of volunteers, and will be available in over 100 public parks by the end of 2024. All ages are welcome, so it’s a bit of wholesome, healthy fun for the whole family. What’s not to love?
So, find out where your closest session is, don your finest tennis white’s (not compulsory but it’s always fun to look the part), and make sure you’ve got a bowl of strawberries-and-cream and a big glass of Pimm’s at the ready for when you get home. Sounds pretty ace to me.
Find out more about the Free Park Tennis and find your nearest location here.