Primary School children enjoy the Schools Tennis Festival

The children had the opportunity to experience the superb sports facilities at the Sports Park on the Streatham Campus and receive expert coaching. The coaches provided a programme of fun activities and games using the impressive covered tennis courts to hopefully foster long-term involvement in this fantastic sport.

Magdalen Court School, Clyst St Mary Primary School, St. Sidwell’s Primary School and Exwick Heights Primary School were all invited to attend for free - offering their school children the chance to develop their tennis skills. The University provided facilities, coaches and equipment whilst the children brought incredible enthusiasm and energy. It was also was a great opportunity for some of our University student coaches to support the event and the local community. The fun activities on offer helped to develop the ‘ABC’s’ of tennis: Agility, Balance and Co-ordination as well as improve the children’s skills and understanding of the sport.

Miss Diamond, Deputy Head and P.E lead for St. Sidwell’s Primary school, was delighted to have the opportunity to be involved; “It is fantastic to have the opportunity to bring the children to the superb tennis centre and have the space to really practice their skills. Some children have never played tennis before and have shown great enthusiasm. The coaching was excellent, it was a really enjoyable session. The children had great fun which is what sport at this age should be about.”

Charlotte Wallace, Tennis Programme Manager for the University of Exeter and former Tennis Scholar was delighted to see so many children enjoying tennis; “I’ve enjoyed playing tennis all my life and can remember my first experiences on court, having fun and wanting to play more. Tennis is a great fun sport for all the family and it was great to see so many children enjoying the sport. Hopefully this has sparked some enthusiasm for tennis and will encourage them to continue their tennis journey.” 

The Tennis Centre runs a wide range of courses and sessions for all ages and abilities, with weekly courses and pay-and-play sessions offering a variety of options for all the community. For more information about the Community Tennis Programme or if you would like to be involved with future Schools Tennis Festivals, have a look at the website, contact the Tennis Office on 01392 723699 or email tenniscentre@exeter.ac.uk.

The University of Exeter has been awarded The Times and The Sunday Times Sports University of the Year 2016, following significant investment and development over the past 10 years. Exeter has also been named the top university in the South West in the influential The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017 which takes into account a wide range of factors, including student satisfaction and research excellence. 

Tuesday 11 October 2016