We were delighted to welcome Tim Henman to Ackworth Tennis Club this week to celebrate Head Coach Alice Robson’s highly successful Tennis Outreach Programme.
The outreach programme, funded jointly by the Tim Henman Foundation and Ackworth School, in partnership with the LTA, has the aim of introducing tennis to local children from all backgrounds, and encouraging participation in the sport. Over the past 2 years the programme has enabled Head Coach Alice Robson, who was named Development Coach of the Year at the 2020 LTA national awards, to bring tennis to nearly 2,000 pupils at 28 local primary schools, as well as to generate over 200 new members to Ackworth Tennis Club.
During his visit to the club Tim helped Alice deliver coaching to visiting primary school children and was able to share his experiences from a 15-year playing career which saw him reach six Grand Slam semi-finals and win 15 ATP career titles.
Tim Henman said: “I am delighted to be at Ackworth today and see more young tennis stars coming through the pipeline. Talent is spread evenly across the country but sadly opportunity is not, which is why this Foundation initiative in association with the LTA, Ackworth School and Ackworth Tennis Club is so important.”
Watch BBC Look North’s coverage of the occasion here: https://fb.watch/5GdXYyG52D/
# Finding Your Spark
The event also marked the launch of a new campaign by the Tim Henman Foundation – the #FindingYourSpark campaign – which is designed to help some of the country’s most vulnerable young people pursue their passions in disciplines like tennis.
Richard Garrett, CEO of the Tim Henman Foundation said: “The Tim Henman Foundation Community Tennis Programme in Ackworth is a leading model for developing tennis participation. The programme involves schools and a club with outstanding levels of participation creating 1000s of “one life one opportunity” moments for young people to pick up a tennis racquet and potentially find their spark. The scheme’s success reflects a one education sector approach with children and teachers from both state and independent schools being inspired through tennis”.
Find Your Spark at Ackworth Tennis Club
Find out more about the coaching opportunities for both children and adults at Ackworth Tennis Club by checking out the coaching page on the website or by contacting Head Coach Alice Robson at coaching@ackworthtennisclub.net or 07967405553