Free tennis initiative proves a big hit

Published: 25 September 2019

An initiative to get more people active and playing tennis has been declared a runaway success after more than 350 people took advantage of the free sessions.

Exeter City Council said it was delighted with the take-up. A total of 363 people have joined in with the Tennis for FREE (TFF) sessions on City Council owned courts at Cowick Barton Playing Fields since they began last September.

Cllr Ollie Pearson, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity, said: “It’s great to see these courts being so well used. Just over a year ago we made the decision to resurface the courts and bring them up to a suitable standard. Knowing that people are enjoying using them makes that investment worthwhile.”

Coach Steve Ashton, who has been delivering the sessions in partnership with the City Council and registered charity Tennis for FREE, said he had been impressed with the support from local families and individuals.

“The sessions have been incredibly popular but it doesn’t stop here,” he said. “Summer may be behind us but the sessions continue all year round on Saturday mornings from 9am until 10:30am.

“Anyone can get involved and you don’t need to have any tennis experience,” he added

The sessions are run by enthusiastic and qualified coaches and volunteers and all equipment is provided. People are advised to book the sessions in advance to avoid disappointment, as they can get busy.

The next session is on Saturday morning at 9am. To book, visit the TennisforFREE website