Hundreds of clubs around the country have signed up for the exciting initiative and it’s all completely free as part of the LTA and Tennis Foundation’s drive to get more people playing more often.
Shropshire is well catered for with a number of venues running open days on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18.
Anna Birkinshaw, Tennis Development Manager for Shropshire and Staffordshire, said it was a great opportunity for newcomers to pick up a racket and see just how much fun playing tennis is.
She added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved in some free tennis activity. We’ve got lots of participating venues across Shropshire who are opening up their doors to offer a taster of tennis.
“That might be Cardio Tennis, Mini Tennis, disability tennis, some coaching or perhaps family tennis to get everyone involved. It’s a chance to see how much fun tennis really is.
“We piloted this last year over just one weekend, but this year it’s happening over four weekends, beginning on May 17 and 18.
“We’ve got about 20 venues that are holding an event over the four weekends. They are all really enthusiastic and keen to get more people down to their tennis venue.”
For a full list of all the Shropshire venues offering free tennis on May 17 and 18 visit the website http://www.greatbritishtennisweekend.com/
There you will have the chance to book a free taster session at your local club and see what time slots are available. Venues will provide rackets and balls, with players of all ages and abilities welcome to take part.
Further Great British Tennis Weekends will be held on June 21-22, June 28-29 and July 19-20.
The Shropshire clubs offering free tennis on Saturday, May 17 are Oswestry Tennis Club (2.30-3.30pm), High Ercall Tennis Club (9am-3pm), The Shrewsbury Club (noon-1.30pm) and Ludlow Castle Tennis Club (1-4pm).
Then on Sunday, May 18 the county clubs throwing open their doors are Market Drayton Tennis Club (10.30am-5.30pm), Telford Community Club (9am-2pm), Shrewsbury Lawn Tennis Club (12.30pm-3pm), Boughey Gardens Tennis Club (5-6pm), Broseley Tennis Club (2-4pm) and Baschurch Tennis Club (11am-2.30pm).
Shifnal Tennis Club will hold free taster sessions on both days between 10am and 5pm.
Telford Community Tennis Club is combining the Great British Tennis Weekend with promoting National Mini-Tennis Month at Bowring Park, Wellington on Sunday, May 18.
Their open day to promote junior tennis and family fun runs from 9am to 2pm and club spokesman Bob Kerr said: “Anyone attending the event who subsequently returns to participate will receive two free group coaching sessions.
“Going forward the club are looking to recruit new members of any age or ability. As a community club we truly are inclusive, giving people the opportunity to play club tennis in all forms at affordable prices.”
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