Article date – 25 June 2019
With over 100 schemes across the UK, Queens Park is one of several similar schemes in the Merseyside area and will be every Saturday from 1pm – 2.30pm starting 29th June. Everyone is welcome, you don’t need a racquet or a ball as all equipment is provided free of charge. Sign up for Tennis For Free Queens Park now at www.tennisforfree.com
Lead scheme organiser Callum Moore said: “I am very excited to welcome Tennis For Free to Queens Park. It is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to try tennis for either the first time, or to dust off the cobwebs after a time away from the sport. It’s a fun, friendly and entertaining free weekly event where you’ll make new friends and benefit from regular exercise. There is no catch, as the name suggests, everything is free.”
Tennis For Free CEO Paul Jessop said: “We are changing the image of tennis to a sport for ALL by removing the cost barrier so that members of all communities can play and benefit physically, mentally and socially. Queens Park is one of hundreds of schemes we are opening across the UK over the next five years as part of our plan to get more people playing this wonderful sport. We have created specially designed programmes to welcome families, the old and the young, of any ability and the beauty is that each session is led by qualified tennis coaches who will ensure people develop at their own pace.
“But it’s not just about the playing. We have seen at our other schemes that small friendly community groups grow. This social cohesion is great to see especially for those who may not think tennis is for them but is for another member of their family. People can still stay involved and help run the schemes. We are always looking for local volunteers to grow the game, indeed some of our most successful and sustainable schemes across the UK have the coaches supported by a team of volunteers who organise further events which all contributes towards everyone’s well-being.”
Allison Lewis from the LTA said: “We are very excited about the free activities being created for people to play tennis in Merseyside through the Tennis for Free programme, and Queens Park is a really accessible park in the heart of the community. Having good local easy to access park facilities where you can play informally with your family and friends is really important to encourage people to play. But Tennis For Free is also about the ability to meet new people and develop friendships, taking regular exercise and simply having fun. It isn’t about finding the next Andy Murray, but about making tennis accessible to all.”
Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Libraries, said: “Whether you’ve never picked up a racquet or are a seasoned regular there’s no excuse not to visit the Tennis for Free sessions. Qualified coaches, all equipment provided…all for free. These sessions will benefit those with limited access to sport, enhance physical and mental well-being and re-energise people of all ages.”
Sign up for Tennis For Free at Queens Park every Saturday from 1-2.30pm at www.tennisforfree.com. You can also follow Tennis For Free on Twitter and Facebook @tennisforfree
