Anyone for tennis? New Mills look to encourage youngsters to take up the sport post lockdown

The club has recently joined the Lawn Tennis Association, and is planning to attract more local youngsters to the sport.

Tennis - among with all sports - is suffering during the coronavirus lockdown, and even this year's Wimbledon Championship's have been cancelled.

But New Mills are already planning for a bright future.

"The club has a new coaching arrangement this year and is looking to rebuild links with the local schools and leisure centre," explained committee member Chris Morton.

Club coach Alex Graver - who joined New Mills as a junior - will be working with John Whitehall of First Advantage Tennis in a bid to encourage youngsters to take up the sport.

"The thing for us is a we are a family club and a lot of people get into the sport through their family," Mr Morton added.

"A lot of people never pick up a tennis racket. The LTA are running initiatives to try to get people into tennis.

"Hopefully, when these restrictions are lifted and people are looking for something to do, we are hoping they will give tennis a go as something new to do."

New Mills Tennis Club boasts three all-weather courts and approximately 70 members of all ages.

"It is a very family-oriented club where everyone mixes together," continued Mr Morton.

"It has a social membership, but we also have a team that plays at quite a high level in Division Two of the North East Cheshire League."

Joining the LTA will also help New Mills with its plans to offer tennis for all.

As well as perks such as monthly newsletters and chances for members to earn tickets for the All England Club through the Wimbledon ballot, there will also be access to the ClubSpark app.

This tool makes all aspects of club life - from booking courts to organising tournaments and membership - easier, while also helping clubs to liaise with local bodies, including schools.

“Joining the LTA is great for us and means there are more advantages for the club,” Mr Morton continued.