The children had lots of fun on court

Local school children enjoy the Schools Tennis Festival

On Thursday 26 January, the University of Exeter Tennis Centre hosted the latest Schools Tennis Festival, for over 45 children from two local primary schools.

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

Magdalen Court School and St David's C of E Primary School attended for free - offering the school children the chance to develop their tennis skills. The University provided equipment, coaches, travel and facilities, whilst the children brought incredible enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to learn. It was also a great opportunity for some of our University student coaches to support the event and the local community. The 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 game.

Mr Sloman, Year 5/6 teacher at St David’s C of E Primary School, was delighted to have the opportunity to be involved; “This is our school’s third visit to the Primary Schools Festival and each time it’s been a wonderful experience for the children. The University’s tennis facilities are excellent and the coaches really help the kids to progress. Our relationship with the University of Exeter is extremely valued and we look forward to taking part in the festival in the future.”

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 ages and it was brilliant to see so many children enjoying the sport. Hopefully this has sparked an enthusiasm for tennis and will encourage them to continue their tennis journey.”

The University of Exeter 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. February Half-Term Holiday Sessions are also available including half-day courses for 4-10 year olds and 11-16 year olds, as well as full day courses for 7-12 year olds. More information can be found at http://sport.exeter.ac.uk/children/holidays/

For more information about the Community Tennis Programme or if you would like to be involved with future Schools Tennis Festivals, take a look at the University of Exeter Sport website, contact the Tennis Office on 01392 723699 or email tenniscentre@exeter.ac.uk. 

Date: 27 January 2017