Social sessions mix food with fitness
QUEENS Park Tennis Centre manager John Birrell predicts a new national initiative will inject a wave of new and former talent into the sport.
Tennis Australia’s Open Court Sessions will launch this week across the Gold Coast, with 17 clubs from the city joining the national effort to improve the health of the regional population through a more sociable and relaxed approach to tennis.
“It’s for all ages to try and encourage people to get back into the game or introduce it to people who haven’t played it before,” Birrell said.
“It’s a friendly way for them to get the experience of actually being in a competitive but friendly environment on the tennis court.
“This is the first time Tennis Australia has promoted something for an adult clientele.
“We have had a juniorbased hot shots program and we have seen a lot of successful people come through the hot shots program including my own daughter (Kim Birrell).
“I’m looking forward to seeing what it will do to the community. I think it will get back and introduce people to tennis.”
Open Court Sessions, which launches as the Australian Open is in full swing in Melbourne, uses the lure of food, drink and music, with a social hit of tennis on the side.
Hitting up more than 1000 clubs across all states including 119 in Queensland, Open Court Sessions introduces tennis with a contemporary twist.
There’s no longer the need to join a club, sign up for lessons or commit to a weekly competition.
“We’re delighted to announce Open Court Sessions as a fresh new way to get more adults back into the sport,” Tennis Australia’s Chief Tennis Officer Matt Dwyer said.
“Open Court Sessions is the perfect mix of a casual social hit with friends and the opportunity to enjoy great food and drinks courtside. And most importantly, it fits into today’s busy lifestyles.
“Our research shows that people are time poor and they want flexibility and fun with their fitness routines, and Open Court Sessions fits that criteria – just book online and rock up to your local tennis club.
“It’s all about being social, both on and off the court, and we all know how important that is for both physical and mental health.”