Free tennis sessions set to return to Exeter courts

Published: 5 April 2024

Free tennis sessions are set to return to courts in Exeter.

Tennis For Free sessions will be starting up on the City Council-owned courts at Cowick Barton Playing Fields on Saturday 20 April from 12 noon to 1pm.

The Saturday lunchtime sessions are being run by Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) qualified coaches Lee Burrell and Tamzin Sherzad and are open to anyone aged 12 years or above, regardless of ability.

All equipment is free to use but those taking part are welcome to bring along their own rackets.

Lee said: “I’m delighted that these free sessions are returning to Cowick Barton. They’ve been very popular in the past so I would encourage anyone who’s interested to book in advance so they’re not disappointed.”

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 sessions are also available the other side of the river at Heavitree Pleasure Ground. The Heavitree sessions also take place on Saturdays but at the earlier time of 10am to 11am.

The 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.

Those attending the TFF sessions must book in advance to avoid disappointment. For the Cowick Barton sessions (age 12 and above, all abilities) visit the LTA Clubspark website at https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/COWICKBARTONPLAYINGFIELDS

For the Heavitree sessions (all ages and abilities), visit LTA Clubspark site at https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/heavitreepleasureground

For a full programme of tennis sessions at Cowick Barton and Heavitree, check out the websites above.