Lymington tennis coaches aiming to get children active

LYMINGTON-BASED company Tennis 21 is looking to get kids back onto the court after the UK lockdown with a special offer for residents.

With lockdown restrictions easing, Tennis 21 is offering an introductory offer of £1 for the first month of membership to residents. Children aged 11 and under will receive free unlimited coaching for the first 30 days at Lymington Tennis Club.

Directors Tom Ellis and David Martins both coach sessions and said they are eager to get kids back out playing. They told the A&T: “We created Tennis 21 to try to bring the game to more people than ever before.

“We felt that many potential players were missing out on tennis due to its traditional image and approach. Combining tennis with fitness-based activities has been key to widen the audience, and we have had a good take-up from adults and secondary school children joining.”

The pair added that they want to help children enjoy the sport: “At present, we have not had a large uptake of primary school children due to the face we have been unable to visit schools and show children what tennis is all about and how fun it can be.

“With children spending more time on screens, their physical literacy is declining meaning learning new skills and staying active is more important than ever before.”

Lynne Truell, Lymington Tennis Club chairman, praised Tennis 21 for getting kids involved in the sport at an early age. She told the A&T: “As a members-run club using Lymington and Pennington Town Council facilities, we are delighted that Tennis 21’s coaches are offering a comprehensive juniors programme of coaching for local children.

“In the long term, the adults look forward to the younger members playing competitively for the club in our many Hampshire and Dorset League matches.”

For more information on Tennis 21, visit www.tennis21.co.uk and for details on Lymington Tennis Club, visit www.lymingtontennis.co.uk