Billy Harris takes local park tennis players behind-the-scenes at the Lexus Surbiton Trophy
• 2 MINUTE READ
With grass court tennis kicking off with the Lexus Surbiton Trophy this week, some local park tennis players were invited down to the tournament for its second day.
After watching action unfold on Centre Court, the group had a behind-the-scenes tour of the tournament and met British star Billy Harris after he had fulfilled his post-match media duties, for which they had a front row seat.
Those attending all play at the nearby Cuddington Recreation Ground, which has recently been transformed, including a full court refurbishment, the implementation of gate access technology and an online booking system to make it easier for everyone to pick up a racket and get on court.
The Park Tennis Project is bringing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition back to life for the benefit of communities across the country. It is a key part of our vision of ‘Tennis opened up’ and its mission to transform communities through tennis by making it welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring. 2,000 courts across Britain have been transformed with the support of the LTA Tennis Foundation and reopened to the public.
It’s really important that people who love their tennis can get on court anywhere, get active and hopefully coming along to these tournaments will inspire them.
We are working with councils across the country to ensure access to tennis sessions and equipment is made available, including through Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions which see volunteer Activators) run weekly free sessions for players of all abilities and backgrounds.
This is helping to engage players of an older generation and give them the opportunity to pick up a racket and embrace tennis as a fun and active lifestyle choice. Park tennis courts are vital for providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get on court, be active, and enjoy playing tennis.
Giulio, one of the local players, said: “I used to play tennis when I was a teenager in Italy but stopped with life getting in the way. Since these courts have been refurbished, I have got back into tennis and have tried out the new courts at Cuddington Rec, Mellows Park and Stanley Park. There is an opportunity for a community of players in their 50s and over to be created with these new beautiful, refurbished courts opening in Sutton and I would love to be a part of it."
Harris added “It’s great to meet the players who came down to Surbiton today. It’s really important that people who love their tennis can get on court anywhere, get active and hopefully coming along to these tournaments will inspire them when they’re next playing in their local park."
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