Primary school pupils in Walton have been learning how to make a “racquet” thanks to a local tennis club.
Looking to boost its membership numbers as it approaches its centenary, Trinity Tennis Club, Orrell Park, launched a “Meet the Neighbours” campaign and Rice Lane Primary School and Nursery decided it was an ace offer.
Professional coach John Fenton has been holding taster sessions at the school, which has about 700 pupils.
The offer has also been made for the youngsters to use the club’s three clay courts on Lynwood Gardens and receive further coaching and to become members along with their parents.
An after-school tennis club was also held last term.
Lesley Roach, Headteacher, said: “We are delighted to work with Trinity Tennis Club and to provide new opportunities for our children. The tennis club has a long history and is at the heart of our community, and we are so pleased to be able to support them.
“The children really enjoyed the taster sessions and working with the tennis coach and many of them have now developed a love of tennis and are attending after school clubs at the club, which is a fantastic opportunity for them. We may even have some budding future stars!
“We all enjoyed working with the coaches at the club and look forward to continuing with this”.
Club treasurer Mike Flanagan said: “The hope is that parents of the children will also join, and the word will go round in the locality that Trinity is a friendly and fun place to be part of, providing a safe environment for the area’s youngsters.”
Some of the support for the school was made possible through a grant from Tennis Lancashire.
