Croydon schoolchildren play tennis for love

Television cameras visited a Croydon school for a very special tennis coaching session which was broadcast on national TV today. (6)

Chestnut Park Primary School’s children took part in filming a tennis programme with The Tim Henman Foundation and MDL Coaching, and it was shown on BBC One’s Morning Live show.

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Presenter and former Olympic athlete Jeanette Kwakye joined the young tennis enthusiasts for a game after they went through a warm-up session led by MDL Coaching - and with Wimbledon currently underway, there’s no better time to promote the sport.

“Tennis has traditionally been seen as an elitist sport, however, that is changing and children of all ages and backgrounds now have the opportunity to partake through schemes and programmes such as this,” said Jamie Feaver, CEO of The Tim Henman Foundation.

“Our coaches spot talent, but it is also about children enjoying themselves, playing and exercising and having fun. I am excited for the future of tennis, it is becoming more diverse and we are seeing that on court,” he added.

The foundation has been working with the school and its umbrella organisation, GLF Schools, for the last two years and the initiative has seen children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to take part, try the sport.

“It’s very important to play to get better at tennis, and I enjoy practising my forehand and backhand,” said Victoria, a pupil at Chestnut Park Primary.

“I like to practise and would like to take part in some tennis tournaments,” added Logan.

“As it’s summer and Wimbledon season, it’s a great time to get inspired and involved with tennis. It’s never too late to start, it is a game for life and it’s fantastic to be able to deliver sessions in school and inspire children,” said Mark Love, founder of MDL Coaching.

“The children have really enjoyed the sessions,” he added.

The former world number four and British number one player Tim Henman, currently commentating on the Wimbledon tournament, visited the school when the project was launched in 2021.

The scheme saw all children at our school in 2022 receive coaching and they were all given a T-shirt and racket as part of the ‘graduation’ event. A lunchtime club was established and the funding from The Tim Henman Foundation has seen delivery of the project via MDL Coaching.

Structured coaching sessions and  access to training camps has enabled children to develop their skills and cultivate a passion for the sport. The importance of physical fitness, mental well-being and overall personal development is emphasised as well as fostering a sense of camaraderie and the community.