Free, fun community tennis sessions have returned to Egerton Park in Bexhill.

In partnership with Rother District Council and the LTA, national sports charity Tennis For Free are providing free group games as part of its aim to use tennis to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of members of the community across the UK.

The sessions are being run by professional tennis coaches headed by LTA qualified Adam Field and take place on Saturdays between 2pm and 3pm. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic the sessions are initially for over 12s only and must be booked in advance.

Strict guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of all participants including a maximum number of players on each court, anti-bacterial sprays for use on balls and no shared equipment. Social distancing guidelines will be observed.

Cllr Jay Brewerton, Rother District Council’s portfolio holder for children, young people, families, sport and leisure, said “I am very proud to be supporting this initiative, and am delighted that Egerton Park has been chosen as one of only 25 sites where Tennis For Free has relaunched its community sessions this year. This is due to the success of the programme in previous years.

“The sessions are open to all abilities, whether you are a beginner or have played for years. I have attended previous sessions with Adam with my autistic children, and his knowledge and understanding of autism was second to none; my sons felt very supported and included.

“I am particularly keen that anyone wanting to try tennis comes along. Playing tennis is a great way for residents to get fit and active and enjoy all the health benefits that brings.”

Tennis For Free co-founder Patrick Hollwey said: “It has never been more important to get communities active again, especially those who have limited access to sport for various reasons.

“It is not just tennis; it is essential to continue the community spirit that has developed in these recent times, and what better way to do it than by getting everyone together on a tennis court?”

To sign up to the Egerton Park Tennis For Free sessions visit www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/EgertonParkTennisCourts/Coaching. More information can also be found on Twitter and Facebook @tennisforfree and or online at www.tennisforfree.com. For more information on playing tennis at Egerton Park visit www.rother.gov.uk/tennis; a free court reservation system is now available for courts 1 & 2.

Published: 8th September 2020