A dab to celebrate!

School’s Festival of Tennis a hit!

On Wednesday 24 May, the University of Exeter Tennis Centre hosted the latest Schools Tennis Festival, for over 160 children from five local primary schools.

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

Brampford Speke Primary School, Magdalen Court School, St Leonard’s Primary School, St Sidwell’s Primary School and Topsham 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 tremendous 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.

Miss Dymond, Deputy Headteacher at St Sidwell’s Pimrary School, was delighted to have the opportunity to be involved; “We’ve been taking part in the festival for a number of years now and the children really enjoy the coaching and facilities on offer. They pick up lots of new skills during the sessions and always leave in good spirits!”

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 great fun 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. May 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: 25 May 2017