Over 200 children took part!

Smashing time at the School’s Tennis Festival!

On Friday 10 November, University of Exeter Tennis Centre hosted the latest Schools Tennis Festival, for over 200 children from six 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.

Exwick Heights Primary School, Magdalen Court School, St Leonard’s Primary School, St Michael’s Academy, St Sidwell’s Primary School and Whipton Barton Junior 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 Steer, teacher at Whipton Barton, was delighted to have the opportunity to be involved; “The morning was really well organised and the children all enjoyed the different tennis drills. It was good to be able to put into practice all the skills we have learned at school during our tennis module too.”

Edward Stolliday, Tennis Participation Coordinator for the University of Exeter was delighted to see so many children enjoying tennis; “Tennis is great fun for all ages and it was brilliant to see the children enjoying themselves. The festival was successful and 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. 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: 14 November 2017