GET YOUR racquets out and enjoy smashing free-for-all tennis facilities across the borough as part of the Great British Tennis Weekend on July 19-20.
You could take your next steps to Wimbledon or simply enjoy an ace day on the numerous courts on offer.
Oldham Council, with the support of tennis clubs, is offering free taster sessions as part of the Lawn Tennis Association’s initiative to get more people of all ages playing the game.
Council-run parks, as well as Failsworth Sports Campus and Tame Valley Tennis Club will host free court sessions, coaching and mini tennis events.
Those taking part will also have the chance to try the newly-launched Cardio Tennis Fitness classes and Tennis Express sessions, designed to teach the game to adult beginners.
Volunteers and coaches will be on hand to help out and there will be rackets and balls to borrow so all you need is pair of trainers.
Councillor Jenny Harrison, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “Tennis is a fantastic way to stay fit and active and the top class facilities we have mean people of all ages and abilities have the chance to play.
“You may not have picked up a racket in your life or perhaps your child is looking for a new hobby to take up – so why not start this weekend and get involved.
“Oldham’s Daniel Smethurst put in a valiant attempt in his first-ever appearance at Wimbledon last month. This weekend we could unearth a future champ.”
Oldham Council provides a total of 15 parks with courts, which are open daily during daylight hours to the public (with their own equipment) free of charge.
To find out what sessions are available and to book your place, visit www.greatbritishtennisweekend.com and simply type ‘Oldham’ into the search box.
Events include:
Saturday, July 19:
- Alexandra Park, Kings Road, Oldham, OL9 2BH (1pm-4pm) – in partnership with Clarksfield Tennis Club. Free family and mini tennis sessions.
- Dunwood Park, Small Brook Road, Shaw, OL2 7UQ (11am-3pm) – supported by Royton Tennis Club. Family, cardio and Express Tennis session, plus fastest serve competition.
- Chadderton Hall Park, Chadderton Hall Park Road, Chadderton, OL9 0QP (1pm-4pm) – supported by The Lancashire Health and Racquets Club. Open sessions and family and mini tennis lessons.
- Tame Valley Tennis Club, 1 Greenbridge Lane, Greenfield, OL3 7EW (1pm-3pm). Free family and mini sessions.
Sunday, July 20:
- Failsworth Sports Campus, Brierley Avenue, Failsworth, M35 9HA (12pm-3pm). Cardio tennis, mini, junior, adult and family sessions – plus strawberries and cream.
For more information on local tennis courts and the wide range of facilities across the borough’s parks, call the Environmental Services team on 0161 770 4056 or visit www.oldham.gov.uk
