The government has unveiled a new free grassroots tennis coaching programme designed to open up the sport to families priced out of the current pay-to-play system. Announced this morning by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the scheme will fund 500 new community coaches in parks and public courts across England, Scotland, and Wales, with a focus on deprived areas. The move comes amid growing concern that tennis has become a middle-class preserve, with average court hire costs of £12 per hour and private coaching fees of £30 per half hour.
The Lawn Tennis Association reports that participation among low-income households has fallen by 15 per cent since 2019. Under the programme, local councils will be able to apply for grants to employ coaches and subsidise equipment, with sessions aimed at children aged 5 to 16. The first 50 parks will open by Easter.
But critics question whether this is enough. The Sports Think Tank warned that without addressing the £6,000 average annual cost of junior membership at private clubs, many families will still be locked out. Sarah Jenkins, Economy & Labour Reporter, writes for Northern Echo.
