Tiny tennis stars in Leeds could take their first steps towards Wimbledon.
Free mini tennis sessions for children aged 3-8, with specially modified equipment, will be part of a range of ace activities taking place on courts across the city.
Council-run sites throughout Leeds will be offering the free taster sessions as part of the Lawn Tennis Association’s initiative to get more people playing the game over the summer.
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The Great British Tennis Weekend will see hundreds of open days taking place across the country on June 21-22 and 28-29 and then July 19-20.
Alongside regular coaching, free court sessions and the mini tennis events, those taking part will also have the chance to try out the newly-launched Cardio Tennis fitness classes and Tennis Express sessions, designed to teach the game to adult beginners.
Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for leisure and skills, said:
“With summer on the way, now is the perfect time to pick up a racquet and have a go at tennis and these free sessions are a really easy route into the game.
“Tennis is a fantastic way to stay fit and active and the top class facilities we have in Leeds mean that people of all ages and abilities have the chance to play.
“I’m sure these sessions will be great fun for everyone who attends and we might even unearth a future Wimbledon champion.”
Leeds’ John Charles Centre for Sport is home to a state-of-the-art tennis facility, which includes six indoor courts and six floodlit outdoor courts.
There is also a spectator balcony, changing facilities, meeting room, and a cafeteria.
The courts are available to hire on a pay and play basis and can be booked up to seven days in advance or eight days in advance by LEEDSCard holders.
A wide range of tennis sessions are available for adults and young players including coaching, individual lessons and competitive leagues.
As well as the John Charles Centre, free sessions will also be held at Fearnville, Rothwell and John Smeaton leisure centres along with a number of other venues.
There are also events at Leeds City Council parks including Chapel Allerton Park, Springhead, Roundhay, Holt Park, Middleton Park and East End Park on forthcoming weekends.
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