Will you win the Manchester league?

Are you looking to play more tennis? A brilliant new scheme is giving adult tennis players the chance to play friendly, competitive tennis on their local park courts....

The Local Tennis League story began in a north London park back in 2005 and with a group of everyday tennis players who didn't have enough people to play. What was needed was a simple structure that matched them with players of a similar standard, and allowed them to play their matches at times that suited them. The organisers, Sally Kinnes and Nigel Billen set to work. Soon the league was flourishing and more and more people, many of whom hadn't played for years or were new to the game, were enjoying this friendly competitive format.

The next step was obvious - try it in another local park and give more people the chance to play close to home and at their own pace. Edinburgh followed and now there are over 100 leagues nationwide. But says Nigel, "We knew the project would not be complete till we hit Manchester!" The nation's second city has, as well as a the brilliant Manchester Tennis and Football Centre a fantastic provision of public and park courts, many of which have been refurbished or soon will be and some of which are free to use. 

The first round of the Manchester Parks League began last summer. But would the concept catch on? It will take more rounds before the league, which is open to adults of all standards, men and women, is fully established, but the signs look good. Stephen Reynolds who has played in the last two of the eight-week rounds says, "I'm really enjoying the spirit and ethos of this League. It's not about winning and scoring brownie points but meeting new friends who share the same passion for the Sport of Champions. It's the spirit of the game that shines through."

Following the success of the Manchester Parks League, a neighbouring league starts in Bury this summer! If you would like to play the next step is easy. Go to http://localtennisleagues.com and navigate to the league, Manchester Parks or Bury, you are interested in. There is no commitment to join more than one round and the entry fee is an affordable £15. All players who complete three matches by the midway point of a round receive a free can of tennis balls, and there are prizes for the group winners.