Chance to take part in Tennis for Free sessions in Exeter
Published: 16 May 2023
It’s time to dust off the tennis racket and get involved in Tennis For Free in Exeter.
With the French Open just around the corner and Wimbledon starting in early July, many people will be looking to get back on the tennis courts.
Exeter City Council has a number of courts around the city which can be enjoyed for free, at Heavitree Pleasure Ground and Cowick Barton Playing Fields, among other locations.
Tennis for Free (TFF) is a charity that runs fully inclusive mass participation alternative tennis sessions for all ages and sections of the community nationwide at public parks for free, primarily targeting those most in need in the current climate.
TFF run sessions all year round at the City Council-owned courts in Heavitree Pleasure Ground. The sessions take place on Saturday mornings between 10am and 11am.
The sessions are run by qualified Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) coaches Lee Burrell, Tamzin Sherzad, Michael Patterson, and helped by young volunteer, Ted.
All equipment is still free of charge, but those taking part are welcome to bring along their own rackets if they wish.
Former tennis professional Penelope Moor, who once played at the Wimbledon Championships and developed her game in Exeter, is involved with the Heavitree sessions
She said: "TFF is an amazing opportunity for all to enjoy and be introduced to the game at no cost. Please feel free to come down on a Saturday morning to see what goes on.”
The other side of the River Exe, sessions that used to run at Cowick Barton Playing Fields have now moved to Exwick Tennis Club, which is based at the Exwick Sports Hub, off Ennerdale Way.
The sessions run on Saturday mornings from 9am until 10am. Head of tennis at Exwick, Steve Ashton, said, "Were really pleased and excited that our ever popular Tennis for Free sessions that we have delivered in the city for many years are now taking place at Exwick Tennis club as part of our ongoing link with TFF and Exeter City Council.”
Booking is advisable for both sessions and can be done via the TFF website at https://www.tennisforfree.com/ simply searching for the relevant location.