Linda aims to make a racquet at classes
New classes teaching youngsters tennis and badminton skills are set to be launched across Perth and Kinross from next month.
Primary teacher Linda Johnstone (40) from Inchture has secured the Perth and North Perthshire franchise of Racquet Buddies following a 13-year career in teaching from nursery through to primary seven.
Having confirmed Inchture Village Hall as a venue, avid runner Linda will also launch classes in Perth, Blairgowrie, Scone and the Carse of Gowrie from August onwards.
Racquet Buddies offers classes for two to five and five to 12-year-olds, with toddlers learning transferable racquet skills that can be used in tennis and badminton, developing their motor skills, coordination, listening and social skills.
Primary schoolers go on to learn about specific strokes, techniques and tactics for playing in a competitive game situation.
Linda said she was “absolutely delighted” to be joining Racquet Buddies and cannot wait to get started.
“For me, it’s a fresh challenge and an opportunity to channel my experience, skills and enthusiasm into a new career,” she said.
“As a mum-of-two and former teacher, I’ve experienced lots of activity classes and, from my daughter’s own experience taking part, could quickly see why Racquet Buddies were different.
“From a personal perspective, the franchise will free up some more family time and present me with the ideal opportunity to give back to the local community and really invest in the health of the younger generation, something I’m passionate about.”
Racquet Buddies founder Hayley Donnelly believes Linda is a brilliant addition to the team and said: “When we launched our franchising model, we were looking to identify people who not only have a passion for sport and healthy living but who enjoy working with children.
“With 13 years of experience working with children from nursery right through to primary seven, Linda is the perfect fit.
“She loves working with children, seeing them achieve and having fun – the perfect skillset and an approach which underpins all Racquet Buddies’ values.”
Hayley added: “Our classes do much more than teach practical skills.
“Younger children develop their listening, coordination and motor skills, number recognition and colour matching and, of course, the classes work wonders for their confidence, concentration and social skills.
“Their parents, grandparents and carers also gained hugely from coming along, seeing the children play, learn and develop, and just being part of something.
“Of course, regardless of the child’s age, it’s also about fun, fitness and making friends, contributing massively to the child’s physical and mental health and wellbeing and hopefully shaping lifelong habits.”