Rise of Raducanu set to inspire a new tennis generation in Exeter
The rise of the teenage tennis sensation Emma Raducanu may inspire youngsters in Exeter to pick up a racket and take advantage of the city’s free tennis facilities.
That’s the hope of Exeter City Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure & Physical Activity, Cllr Duncan Wood, who believes the new British Number One’s incredible run in the US Open will serve as an inspiration to those starting out or considering taking up tennis.
“We have great tennis facilities in Exeter, in our parks, where people of all ages and abilities can play for free,” said Cllr Wood.
There are six hard courts in Heavitree Pleasure Ground as well as three recently renovated courts at Cowick Barton Playing Fields.
Both locations also host Tennis For Free (TFF) coaching sessions on Saturday mornings.
The city also has two hard courts at King George V Playing Fields and two at Topsham Pleasure Ground.
“It’s great to see Emma doing so well and her rise through the rankings this year has been nothing short of meteoric,” said Cllr Wood.
“Having a positive role model is great for youngsters and hopefully will inspire more people to take up the sport, especially where court facilities are free and open to everyone who wants to play,” he added.
As well as free play on Exeter’s public courts, Tennis For Free (TFF) sessions are available at two sites across the city for those aged over 12.
The sessions run from 9am to 10am every Saturday.
At Cowick Barton, the sessions are delivered by Tennis for Free Lead Coach Steve Ashton. And at Heavitree, LTA coach Bradley Rickard runs the sessions.
The sessions are completely free, all equipment is provided and no tennis experience is necessary. Booking is essential.
To get involved go to the specific location’s website at eitherhttps://cowickbarton.courtline.net/ orhttps://clubspark.lta.org.uk/HeavitreePleasureGround
and register for FREE and book onto the weekly sessions.
The weekly sessions are run by national sports charity Tennis For Free in partnership with the LTA and Exeter City Council.
