Anyone for tennis? So the old saying goes and this Sunday anyone can pick up a racquet and serve up at local clubs in east Auckland.
The once-a-year Love Tennis initiative of Tennis NZ is held again on September 8 with clubs across the country opening their courts to allcomers.
Bucklands Beach Tennis Club president Fiona Macleod says it’s combining Love Tennis and the club’s annual community open day, from 10am to 2pm.
“It’s all about promoting our sport, giving the local community a wonderful free opportunity to come and try tennis, or get back on the court if they’ve played before but aren’t currently a member of a club.
“We offer free coaching sessions for beginner adults and kids, lend equipment and balls and provide social tennis for those who can already play,” says Macleod.
“We also provide fantastic discounts on our membership fees for first-year joiners who sign up in September.”
Julia Sim, the long-serving club coach at Bucklands Beach, has seen a few Love Tennis community days, with the Jern Place-based club participating since its inception.
“Lots of people have hit a few balls at some stage of their lives but don’t know how to get into the game as an adult,” says Sim.
“Or maybe they’ve never really had the chance to try it but would like to give it a go.
“Either way, they really enjoy the chance to meet other novice and returning players and get some expert help on how to play while having fun and exercise in the fresh air.”
Sim, a former professional tennis player and Olympian for Zimbabwe, trains people of all ages and abilities, with a particular passion for introducing the game to new players.
As well as Bucklands Beach’s popular junior coaching programme for young ones aged five to 18 during the summer terms, Sim also leads a fun programme for adults starting in October each year.
Tennis NZ says clubs across the country have lots of plans for their respective Love Tennis events, including spot prizes, free refreshments and barbeques, lolly scrambles and other fun games for individuals and families to enjoy.
“Club members will be on hand too to hit balls with visitors who have played before.”
It adds that visitors to any tennis club holding Love Tennis activities can enter a draw for a trip to next year’s Australian Open.
