In the last two years, we have got more people in Nottingham playing tennis than ever before thanks to the Tennis in Nottingham project!
Our work has taken us to the streets of Nottingham with our portable tennis kit, bringing tennis to new people in new places! We have challenged peoples perceptions of where and how tennis is played bringing tennis to any space provided - we ran sessions in parks, on games areas, in community & leisure centres and even in the Nottingham Market Square. Check out our video here: do you recognise any of the locations?
Over 800 people were able to try tennis on their doorstep in 55 locations. 17 sessions will carry on with the support of local people including Tennis at the Vine Community Centre, Cardio Tennis at Southglade Leisure Centre & 50+ Tennis at Melbourne Park YMCA.
5000 people have also picked up a racquet at some of our innovative events including Nottingham’s City Light Night, which involved glow in the dark tennis, Superhero Sunday, which allowed kids to take on their favourite superheroes at tennis and the Friday Family Smash Up, a monthly multi-sports event at the Nottingham tennis centre. 631 people were also able to join a tennis club for 8 weeks for just £29 in the summer months and 882 more people were able to try tennis at the Nottingham Tennis Centre thanks to our offers!
Kevin Mulloy, a Tennis Activator and Participant said, ‘I had previously last played tennis in my 30’s so to get back into it in my 60’s has been great fun. Tennis is my main sport these days.’
Richard Mynett of Space Inclusive said, ‘I just wanted to thank you very much for all your help and support with the tennis sessions. Our guys have really enjoyed them and we are so pleased to be able to carry sessions on thanks to the training they've received. You've been so supportive and your approach has been spot on for what we need.’
Gill Bainbridge of Bells Lane Community Centre said, ‘Thank you so much for everything your team have done for tennis in general and for Malachi, Pam and Gemma in particular they love the sessions and the sport.’
Over the last two years, we have been supported by 119 volunteers in a variety of roles including; Tennis Activators (who get stuck in and help to run sessions and events), Social Media Champions, Web Editors, Video Champions & Bloggers! Together, our volunteers have offered over 800 hours of their free time to help deliver, promote and develop this project. Volunteers are at the heart of tennis in Nottingham and they do the little things which make the big things happen! If you are interested in getting involved in volunteering in tennis in Nottingham, check out our latest opportunities by clicking here.
Of course, there are still many more exciting tennis events comin up in 2017 in Nottingham, including the AEGON Open tournament this summer which will see world class WTA & ATP players compete on the grass at Nottingham Tennis Centre. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
Don't miss out on our second round of Tennis for Kids! Free 6 week coaching courses are available for children aged 5-8 years this spring and even better, every kid gets a free racquet! Search for courses in Nottingham here.
You can also try tennis for free this summer at our Great British Tennis Weekend events!:
Saturday 20th May 10-4pm - Nottingham Market Square
Saturday 13th May 1.30-3.30pm - Vernon Park, Nottingham
Sunday 14th May 1.30-3.30pm - Valley Road Park, Nottingham