Youngsters net free tennis in ace Council scheme

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 28th Jul 2006

Tennis for local youngsters has proved even more of an attraction since Richmond Council opened up its courts for under 18's to play free of charge. The ace idea has succeeded in getting hundreds more youngsters to play the game and with London 2012 in mind, the Council hopes a future tennis champ could emerge. Under 18's can now simply turn up and play when courts are available before 6pm on weekdays and weekends.

Cllr John Coombs, Richmond's Cabinet Member for Sport, said:

'This scheme has given tennis a big boost in this borough and is in line with the Council's aim of increasing participation by young people in competitive sport. We are determined to do all we can to encourage the sports stars of the future and this gives youngsters the chance to practise and hone their skills, all free of charge. I am thrilled to see so many youngsters seizing upon this excellent opportunity.'

The Sports Development Team provided free coaching to 28 schools in the borough this year. More than 1,400 schoolchildren enjoyed professional coaching under a programme part-funded by the Surrey and Middlesex Lawn Tennis Associations.