Did you used to play tennis as a teenager?
Did you used to play tennis as a teenager?
Did life then get in the way with university, jobs, marriage and children taking over?
Now that you are a bit older do you want to play again but are daunted by the prospect?
In Lichfield there is a potential solution.
Lichfield Friary Lawn Tennis Club has six courts (four artificial grass) and offers the opportunity for anyone to come along, become a member joining in with men’s, ladies and mixed sessions. However some are fearful of doing that because they are unsure of their standard of play compared to existing members and do not want to spend money on subscriptions if they may not make use of the facilities.
To help with this the Tennis Club work in partnership with a Charity who run tennis sessions in Beacon Park, Lichfield. That includes Tennis for Free sessions during Sunday afternoons when coaches from the Tennis Club provide opportunities for anyone of whatever ability to join in. As well as that for £52 (£1.00 per week) a family can join and play on the courts whenever they like (subject to on-line booking).Members can also go along on a Wednesday evening and join in with others. Coach led sessions are also available on a paid for basis.
The tennis in the Park is designed to be fun and without pressure and many already get involved. Some are happy to stay with that whilst some progress and join the Tennis Club. Equally some at the Tennis Club are guided to the Park so that they can take part and increase their confidence in playing.
Many youngsters play as Members of the Tennis Club in organised coaching sessions mainly on Saturday and Sunday mornings but also on some early evenings after school time. It is recognised that some parents are not in a position to pay for such sessions and Beacon Park provides free coach led sessions for young players as part of the Tennis for Free Sunday sessions. It is often the case that parents play and the same time thus benefitting both.
The partnership arranged between the Tennis Club and Beacon Park helps people to find their place in the tennis family. Some are helped to start playing whilst some get rid of the rust from previous times. Some move from the Park to the Tennis Club with some playing in the Clubs league teams or being successful in the Club Championships.
Overall the partnership is growing and more people are able to become part of the tennis family whatever their ability and circumstances.