The international life company is lending its support to the Zurich Primary Schools Mini Tennis Programme for the ninth year in succession, enabling seven year olds to take part in a six-week structured beginners programme where they will receive dedicated coaching from LTA-qualified tennis teachers.

The programme is led by Albany Tennis Club’s Head Coach, Ian Watson, and for most of the pupils taking part, tennis is an entirely new sport for them.

He commented: “Without Zurich’s support, delivery of the Zurich Primary Schools Mini Tennis Programme would not be possible and I am very grateful to the company for continuing to support this now for the ninth year. The children who participate gain a lot from it, particularly being given the chance to learn a new sport from professional coaches.”

Zurich’s Communications Manager, Merita Taylor, added: “Zurich is passionate about supporting local programmes which benefit the development of children and young people, and the Zurich Primary Schools Mini Tennis Programme is a fantastic example of how we can make a real difference to seven year olds within the Island’s primary schools. The programme teaches them new sports skills, as well as valuable social skills, and it is encouraging to see how many of them continue to play after formal coaching has ended.”
The Zurich Primary Schools Mini Tennis Programme concludes with a cross-Island tournament and Championship Finals Day later in May.

Photo- (Back Row) Merita Taylor, Communications Manager at Zurich International Life, and Albany Tennis Club’s Head Coach, Ian Watson, with pupils from Manor Park Primary School in Douglas launching the 2015 Zurich Primary Schools Mini Tennis Programme.