London public tennis clubs experiencing “huge growth” Sports Desk
Despite the recent David Cup defeat of team GB against Lithuania, and no British player winning a coveted "Grand Slam" for decades, tennis is experiencing "huge growth" in participation and interest inside the capital, due to the investment of resources by the LTA and The Tennis Foundation.
At a recent House of Commons meeting of the All Party Tennis Group, £26 million of public money has been allocated to invest in grass roots tennis and facilities seeing many public tennis courts resurfaced, floodlights installed, and more coaching programmes developed to encourage effective coaching methods.
Participation has grown hugely with 6 million people playing tennis in 2009, up from 4.5 million in 2005, with 500,000 children 4-10 year olds now playing Mini Tennis. The reason for the growth could be down to the change of climate in the London, with better weather, and the fact more young British players are gradually "breaking through".
One grass-roots club the Bourneside Tennis Club in Southgate north London is currently experiencing an upward trend in "mini-red" players ie under 8 year olds the clubs secretary John Kaponi said:
"We are seeing a lot more children taking part in tennis, which is down to the fact that parents want their children to take up this excellent sport, and the fantastic work being done by the LTA and The Tennis Foundation to promote tennis to the grassroots".
This summer will see the annual "peak" in tennis interest with the Wimbledon fortnight one 34 days away, and public courts are expected during this period to be full. The LTA and the Tennis Foundation are now working hard to develop local grass roots initiatives for children and all the community to see more people playing tennis. The Tennis Foundation launched the "e-Park" initiative which allows members of the public to find tennis courts near their home to play.
Currently Russia has over 14 women players in the world's top 100, compared to 1 from the UK.
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