Tennis charity launches five new sites across Walsall and Great Barr

A tennis charity is launching five new sites across the Black Country tomorrow as it tries to get more people involved in the game.

Tennis For Free, which already has sites in Hednesford, Lichfield and Sandwell, is launching at four sites in Walsall and one in Great Barr.

The sites and their opening times are: Redhouse Park, 9.30-11am; Holland Park, 11am-12pm; Pelsall Village Common, 12.30-1.30, Walsall Arboretum, 2-3pm; and Leamore Park, 5-6pm.

Tennis For Free is working in partnership with Walsall Council and Sandwell Council.

Coaches will be at Holland Park, Pelsall Village Common, Walsall Arboretum and Redhouse Park every Saturday starting tomorrow and every Wednesday evening at Leamore Park.

Everyone is welcome and all equipment is provided free of charge.

Tennis For Free Chief Executive Paul Jessop said: "We are all very excited to welcome Tennis For Free to not one but five parks across the area.

"By having so many sessions we can attract young and old, those who work and those who don’t. We are truly reaching out to all sectors of the community.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for all members of the local area to try tennis for either the first time or to dust off the cobwebs and try again. With Wimbledon still fresh in our memories we look forward to welcoming local people to the free sessions.

"You can bring your own racquet if you wish, but don’t worry all equipment is provided and as the name suggests, everything is free!”

Mr Jessop continued: "The sessions are perfect for that first taste of tennis or for getting back into the game in a fun and relaxed manner but with all equipment provided and coaches in attendance to help out. We hope many people, of all ages and abilities, will come and join us at the Saturday or Wednesday sessions.”

Tennis For Free is a registered charity founded by comedian Tony Hawks and fashion executive Patrick Hollwey. It aims to provide healthy, vibrant local tennis communities for free on public park tennis courts creating new tennis players of all ages and backgrounds and showing that tennis can be enjoyed by all. Tennis For Free supporters include Judy Murray, BBC tennis commentator Andrew Castle and ex Grand Slam winner Pat Cash.