New tennis sessions take centre court at Devonport Park

An exciting new programme of tennis sessions is being served up in Devonport Park, just in time for Wimbledon.

The popular Devonport Park Tennis Programme, launched by Plymouth City Council and the Friends of Devonport Park last year, is being expanded this summer to encourage even more people to pick up a racket.

As well as free family sessions there are also low-cost after-school and weekend ‘mini tennis’ sessions for the kids, ‘teen tennis’ sessions for 11 to 16-year-olds and coaching for players aged 16 and over.

And for people looking for a fun new way to get fit, there’s ‘cardio tennis’ – a tennis-inspired workout that’s all about burning calories and having a good time, rather than perfecting your technique.

The sessions are being run in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association, Tennis for Free and Barclays Spaces for Sport, who have also funded a brand new playing surface and markings on the courts.

Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “The Devonport Park tennis sessions have been really popular and we hope these extra new activities will inspire even more people to give the sport a go. This is a great way for people of all ages and abilities to stay fit and active.”

The new programme begins on Monday 24 June and all equipment is provided. For more information or to book your place call the Council’s sports development unit on 307008 or email sportsdevelopment@plymouth.gov.uk.

Junior coaching (£2 a session)
Mini tennis (five to eight-year-olds): Monday, 4pm to 5pm Mini tennis (nine to 10-year-olds): Monday, 5pm to 6pm Mini tennis (five to 10-year-olds): Sunday, 11am to midday Teen tennis (11 to 16-year-olds): Sunday, midday to 1pm

Adult coaching (£2 a session)
Cardio tennis (16 years and over): Monday, 6pm to 7pm Cardio tennis (16 years and over): Sunday, 10am to 11am Adult coaching (16 years and over): Sunday, 1pm to 2pm

Family sessions (free)
Family tennis (five years and over): Saturday, 2.30pm to 4.30pm Family tennis (five years and over): Sunday, 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Further information about cardio tennis is available on the LTA website at http://www.lta.org.uk/players-parents/Cardio-Tennis.