Over 100 children attended from four schools: Magdalen Court School, Silverton C of E Primary School, Clyst St Mary Primary School and Broadclyst Community Primary School.

Primary Schools Festival at Exeter Tennis Centre

On Monday 1 February, Exeter Tennis Centre welcomed children from local Primary Schools to the University of Exeter Sports Park for a range of fun sporting activities. Over 100 children attended from four schools: Magdalen Court School, Silverton C of E Primary School, Clyst St Mary Primary School and Broadclyst Community Primary School.

The children took part in a series of group exercises which aimed to improve their sporting “ABCs”: agility, balance and co-ordination. The superb facilities at Exeter Tennis Centre allowed for a diverse range of activities: children used speed ladders and wobble boards, as well as practising basic ball control. With friendly and attentive coaches on-hand, the children got involved and joined in the fun – even those who were shy at first, or hadn’t played before, had a go, and the feedback from pupils, parents and teachers was very positive. One child who claimed he “didn’t like Tennis” before the session said he loved it by the end!

Mr James Beevor, a teacher from Broadclyst Community Primary School, attended the Festival and commented, “The children (and staff who came along with them) all had a brilliant time so thank you for running this again, it’s always an excellent session.”

Charlotte Wallace, the University’s Tennis Programme Manager, said “The benefits of introducing sport at an early age are well-documented, and it was great to see the children become more confident in their sporting abilities throughout the session. We are always keen to widen participation in Tennis and hopefully we have inspired some of these children to keep playing!”

If you’re keen to introduce your little ones to Tennis, the University hosts a range of activities to keep kids active over the holidays. During the upcoming February half-term, children of all ages and abilities can join in with Tennis and/or Cricket sessions, which make use of the University’s superb facilities and excellent coaches. The sessions aim to build children’s confidence and help them to develop their sporting abilities in a fun, safe and supportive environment – after all, even Andy Murray had to start somewhere!

Exeter Tennis Centre has 10 indoor courts and 2 outdoor courts, based at the University of Exeter Sports Park. The University of Exeter has been awarded The Times / The Sunday Times Good Universities Guide 2016 Sports University of the Year, following significant investment and development over the past 10 years. The University has also achieved a Global 100 ranking in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Date: 10 February 2016