Young players Ella Jeggins, Rachel Bennett, Sebastian Fisher, George Davies, Lucy Keeling and Hannah Sirag with coach Michael Hampson

Ten children in Lichfield and Burntwood will have the chance to learn to play tennis for free thanks to a new initiative.

Tennis for Kids has been created by the Lawn tennis Association (LTA) to establish a legacy of participation following Great Britain’s historic Davis Cup triumph last year.

Young players Ella Jeggins, Rachel Bennett, Sebastian Fisher, George Davies, Lucy Keeling and Hannah Sirag with coach Michael Hampson
Young players Ella Jeggins, Rachel Bennett, Sebastian Fisher, George Davies, Lucy Keeling and Hannah Sirag with coach Michael Hampson
The initiative aims to inspire 10,000 children aged five to eight across the UK to pick up a racket and play for the first time.

In the Lichfield and Burntwood area there is a six-week coaching programme including free rackets for ten youngsters starting on May 11 at Lichfield Friary Lawn Tennis Club.

The course is available on a first come, first served basis.

Michael Hampson, head coach at Lichfield Friary Lawn Tennis Club, said: “As the courses are designed for children taking up tennis, exercises will focus on core skills such as agility, balance and co-ordination.

“Beyond the practical side of the sport, the sessions will be teaching children how to work with a partner and become a valuable member of a team – all in a fun and relaxed environment. Plus the ten lucky children will be able to keep the rackets.”

To find out more or to book a place visit www.lta.org.uk/tennisforkids. For more details on coaching at Lichfield Friary Lawn Tennis Club, email Michael Hampson or call 07947 657309.