Youngsters get a serving of top tennis
Pupils watch Davis Cup squad
Over 100 children from two Hamilton schools joined some of the biggest names in tennis ahead of the Davis Cup being played in Glasgow.
The Lawn Tennis Association and the Great Britain Davis Cup team welcomed over 3000 Scottish school children to the Emirates Arena in Glasgow to watch a practice session featuring leading players Jamie Murray and Cameron Norrie, ahead of the World Group play-off clash against Uzbekistan.
Pupils from Woodside Primary and Townhead Primary were invited to meet the Great Britain team.
A lucky few were picked from the crowd to have a go at some activities from the Lawn Tennis Association’s Tennis for Kids programme on the match court, which is its flagship children’s initiative, and is aimed at those aged four to 11.
Since Tennis for Kids launched in 2016 following Great Britain’s historic Davis Cup final win in Glasgow, the LTA’S programme has inspired over 3600 children in Scotland to pick up a racket for the first time.
This year alone, 1600 Scottish children have signed up for the programme, and a further 56 courses are planned across the country.
Townhill Primary School teacher Claire Campbell said: “We have had a fabulous day and the kids are so inspired.
“None of them have seen live tennis before, so this is definitely a one-off for them.
“They’re desperate to get back to school and have a go at tennis!”
Leon Smith, Great Britain Davis Cup captain, said: “We are passionate about getting children into tennis.
“By making the sport more accessible, we hope even more children will get involved, sign up to a Tennis for Kids course and cheer the team on this weekend.”
Those taking part were offered a free pair of tickets to one day of the competition, which ran last weekend.
Oliver Scadgell, participation director at the LTA, said: “Making tennis more relevant, accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for more kids is a key focus for the LTA.
“Giving young children a positive first experience of tennis is so important.”
Tennis for Kids is run all year round across the country. The course includes six sessions, their own kit – including a racket – balls, and a personalised t-shirt, all delivered to them for £25.
For more information visit www. tennis-for-kids.co.uk.