Having Fun and Getting Fit For Life at Half Term

At Carlisle's Bitts Park Tennis Courts a Series of Junior Tennis Tournaments are taking place during the half-term break.

.On the back of world number three Andy Murray’s finals appearance in the Australian Open, the next generation of would-be tennis stars have been putting their skills to the test.
About 40 children from the Carlisle, Wigton and Penrith areas are taking part in the city council-organised event, which is also supported by the Lawn Tennis Association.

On Monday, Two groups – one in the morning, the other in the afternoon – took on each other in the competitions. Suzzi, assistant coach at Bitts Park, said: “The kids love it. They are so well behaved and we don’t have any problems with them. It is Monday morning, the first day of half-term and they are out there doing some sport. Even when they are not in matches, they are still playing. They don’t stop – it is brilliant. Some of these children will not have played in tournaments before, but they have to start somewhere.”

As well as keeping them fit, the competitions also teach players another valuable skill, sportsmanship. “Some of the younger age groups can be a bit tearful, but we’ve not had any of that today,” Suzzi added.

Ray Bloxham, the city councillor responsible for environment and infrastructure, said: “Organised as part of our tennis development plan, it is an opportunity for youngsters to compete against each other and put their training into practice.”
Everyone who takes part will receive a certificate. Overall winners get a trophy.