Throughout 2010, over 250 Primary Schools from across the County have been getting involved in YR3/4 mini tennis competitions. Over 1,000 children have been taking part across the whole of Yorkshire with growth in participation largely attributed to the success on the Tennis Foundations KS1/2 Teacher Training resources. 

One area where this has been a huge success was in the Rodillian Schools Sports Partnership in Leeds.  Charlie Tatman, the Leeds Tennis Development Officer said ‘’ There has been a huge investment in schools tennis getting things right at grass roots level. It has offered an opportunity for all pupils across primary schools to have a tennis experience and grow the link to the schools competition framework and potential after school activity’’

Brychan Jones of Rodillian (South Leeds) School Sports Partnership said:

‘’The DVD, resources and equipment packs are first class and have been really appreciated by all our staff. The DVD is easy to use with good content and lesson plans and have really helped to grow the sport across the partnership’’

In 2009, 8 schools from the Rodillian partnership entered into the YR3/4 & Y5 schools competition  that feeds through into an area (Leeds) final and then ultimately the West Yorkshire Youth games finals. In 2010, all 24 schools that took part in the training course in January took part in the competition.

There has subsequently been a second course for the remainder of schools across the partnership meaning all schools are kitted out to deliver a 6week programme and competition within their school for next years event.

The plans for 2011 are to offer a competition in each family within in the partnership so that all  schools within the partnership can offer tennis competition. Plans are also a foot to offer after school activity so that youngsters who have been introduced to the sport and have enjoyed it can continue with an affordable option on the pathway to club participation.

Nationally, 12,000 children from 2,000 schools took part in the competition last year at an estimated 1,100 events as part of the competition. This is anticipated to increase around 10% in 2010.

The Year 3&4 Mini Tennis Red Schools Competition is an entry level event, aimed at beginners and players new to the game, rather than an opportunity for advanced players already competing regularly outside of school.

• The Tennis Foundation and LTA work through with the Youth Sport Trust’s Partnership Development Managers right across England to deliver the competition, which has three stages; “Cluster” Events, Partnership (SSP) Finals and County Finals.

• All children that take part are offered the chance of free British Tennis Membership.

• More detailed information on the competition is at:

http://www.tennisfoundation.org.uk/schoolsandcolleges/schoolscompetitions/  

 For a full report on the West Yorkshire Games please click here