Free 6 week courses will once again be offered to children aged 5-8 years this summer. The Tennis for Kids course was launched last year after Great Britain’s historic win of the Davis Cup in 2015, and is by far the biggest ever grass root initiative in British Tennis. In 2016, 20 island based kids (13,000 across Great Britain) successfully completed the course, with many joining a club programme afterwards.
This year 40 more local kids will have the opportunity to pick up a racket and play tennis for the first time. Two coaches from the Isle of Man have been selected and specially trained by a team of mentors among whom are Team GB Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, Wimbledon doubles champion Jonny Marray, and former British no 1 and Eurosport commentator Annabel Croft.
David Winnell, who coached the inaugural courses last year, will be joined by Ian Watson. They have over 35 years of coaching experience between them. Four courses across three island venues will be delivered, the main focus of which is fun, flexibility and family, with parents encouraged to join for the final session.
Ian and David have also something new for adult novices or those looking to get back into tennis, for parents to be able to play with their children. A six-week Tennis Xpress course is recommended by the ITF as one of the best ways to learn to play the game. It uses slower bouncing green and orange balls so that the players learn quickly and are able to serve, rally and score by the end. The course has already gained popularity in Britain and locals can now try it out. The 3 courses will commence on Tuesday 9th May 6.30-7.30pm at Albany LTC, Ballaughton Meadows, Thursday 15th June 6-7.30pm in Mooragh Park and Friday 16th June 7-8.30pm at Douglas LTC, Kensington Road. The course costs ?30 (Albany and DLTC) and ?24 (Mooragh).
At the time of publication the Tennis for kids courses are already full with a waiting list in place on www.tennisforkids.org.uk. There are still some spaces available on TennisXpress courses. If you wish to sign up email iomltacoaching@outlook.com. For more information visit Isle of Man tennis Facebook page.
Photo - left to right. Former British No 6 Naomi Cavaday, Programme Coordinator Tania Thomas, David Winnell, Ian Watson, Wimbledon doubles champion Jonny Marray at the training session in Leeds in March.
