A local tennis club is to welcome people to a free open day with the aim of getting more people enjoying the popular sport.
Forres Tennis Club will host the event at its Albert Street-based courts on Sunday March 23 and people going along will be able to enjoy a range of activities.
Last October, the Club formed a new committee, and it is now looking at ways to make the sport as accessible as possible.
Owen Davidson-Knight, chair of the committee said:
“The open day looks set to be a lot of fun and is for people of all ages and abilities.
“People will have the chance to play with current members, there will be fun family sessions and head coach Joe and junior coach Adam will be on hand to encourage people to just pick up a racket and have a go.
“Depending on your circumstances; new to the sport, want to play as a family or on your own, we will have club members there to welcome you and find out what you are interested in.”
Owen who has been a member of the Club for almost three years added:
“We are a very relaxed and friendly club with over 20 different sessions available each week for all age groups from four-years-old and upwards.
“We also have several club and external competitions that our members can get involved in.
“The open day is about giving people an insight into what is on offer and to ask questions.
“There is a huge range of play that goes on here from very relaxed beginners’ sessions to training for those who have more experience.”
Head coach Joe Hargreaves is responsible for the formal coaching at the Club and runs 13 sessions for adults and children throughout the week.
Joe said:
“Tennis a great sport and can be a lot of fun.
“Forres Tennis Club is a very friendly club and we encourage people to come along and find out more.
“Nobody needs to have kit as we have plenty of rackets and balls here.
“The focus really will be on having fun and finding a session that will work for you.”
As well as the open day, the Club is also looking at ways to reach out to different groups in Forres and offer bespoke sessions.
“We want to make the Club as accessible as possible,” said Owen, “we are currently in the running to get some funding from the Tesco blue token scheme which will allow us to offer courts for free to families in the school holidays.
“We are also seeking funding with a view to running some fun fitness days, where we will collaborate with other businesses in the town and offer tennis, yoga and other activities, and Joe’s junior coach Adam wants to look at how to get more teenagers into the game.
“There is a lot going on, it’s a very exciting time.”
The Forres Tennis Club open day will take place from midday till 4pm on Sunday, March 23.
