Call for local residents to dust of their racquets…

(Date of issue: Thursday, 2 July 2009)

Local residents inspired by the Wimbledon performances of Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Venus Williams are being given the chance to get discounted tennis coaching at Bitts Park courts.

Carlisle City Council has drawn together a programme of adults’ tennis coaching for only £2 per one-hour session. Starting next Thursday (9 July), they will include professional tuition from LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) licensed coaches in the basics and are aimed at those who haven’t played tennis before or those who would like to improve their technique.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure, said:

“The adult coaching sessions have been arranged to coincide with the Wimbledon tournament as we’re sure that some residents may inspired to have a go themselves. The discounted sessions provide an ideal opportunity to refresh skills or even try out tennis for the first time. We’re lucky to have some great facilities at Bitts Park and we encourage local families to try them out.”

The coaching sessions are scheduled to take place between 6pm - 7pm and 7pm - 8pm on Thursday, 9 July; Tuesday, 14 July; Thursday, 16 July; Tuesday, 21 July; Thursday, 23 July; Tuesday. 28 July and Thursday, 30 July. If the take up is good, plans are also in place to continue the sessions all year round. Sessions may also be held during the daytime.

Cardio-tennis sessions are also planned for adults (anyone aged over 15 years old). A great workout to music, these will be held on Thursday, 23 July, Tuesday, 4 August and Thursday, 13 August.

For further information about the coaching or to book onto any of the sessions, please telephone Carlisle City Council on 01228 817581.

The new tennis facility at Bitts Park was opened in January 2008 after £280,000 was spent upgrading the courts. The Carlisle City Council project was made possible after £125,000 was received from the LTA and other partnership arrangements.

The facilities are managed by Carlisle Leisure Limited on behalf of Carlisle City Council and include four new hardcourts, two of which are covered by an airdome between October and March to allow tennis to be played all year round.