Keen to extend the Wimbledon experience? – try Walking Tennis
Residents inspired by Wimbledon can take part in a gentler form of tennis from next week, thanks to Eastleigh Borough Council’s SportWorks team
Residents inspired by Wimbledon can take part in a gentler form of tennis from next week, thanks to Eastleigh Borough Council’s SportWorks team
The team are launching brand new Walking Tennis sessions at Places Leisure Eastleigh for those with limited mobility and long-term conditions.
This version of tennis is at a gentler pace where the ball can bounce twice, the court can be made smaller, and players are not allowed to run or jump. The aim is to create a ‘tennis for everyone’ approach, where even more residents can get involved in tennis.
Walking Tennis is part of the Lawn Tennis Association’s Open Court Programme and they have provided the start-up fund for this inclusive weekly activity to get Borough residents moving in a fun and social way. Places Leisure Eastleigh have agreed to allow free access to their tennis courts to ensure this great opportunity gets off the ground and flourishes.
The Open Court Programme is a national scheme that promotes and delivers opportunities for disabled people to get involved in tennis. It is jointly funded by Sport England, and they have expanded the programme to include people with long-term conditions.
Premier Tennis are a well-known local provider and will run the Wednesday sessions, from 12 noon to 1pm, from Wednesday 13 July, as well as manage bookings. It is good value at £3 per person and with small groups, there will be lots of chances to makes new friends and create an enduring mini community.
Activity enquiries to sportworks@eastleigh.gov.uk
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Councillor Tonia Craig, said: “We are excited to expand on the SportWorks programme to include this new inclusive activity for the Borough, especially in the wake of a very exciting Wimbledon 2022! We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of all our community and I look forward to visiting a session soon, which will no doubt be very popular.”