Play Point Sports
About Play Point Sports
Play Point Sports operates tennis programmes in Bidston, at the Wirral Tennis Center, supporting over 1,000 people each week to take part in and enjoy tennis.
The team deliver programmes for all ages and abilities, from tots to tournaments with inclusion at the heart of everything they do.
The Need
Bidston is included in the top 1% most underserved areas in the UK. During school holidays, already low physical activity rates in the area drop even further and access to free school meals is stopped.
In addition to this, research by the Trussel Trust shows that families accessing food parcels in this area are well above the national average. 12 of the 13 foodbanks in the Wirral are all within 2.5 miles of the tennis centre, and 9 of them are just 2 miles away.
Data shows an absolute need for food to be provided for families at times when they need it the most. During term times, school meals go some way towards alleviating the pressures, however, during school holidays, the pressure on food banks increase considerably.
What the LTA Tennis Foundation funded
Play Point Sports were successful with their application to the LTA Tennis Foundation in the first Grant Making Round.
They were awarded a grant to deliver a programme that aims to tackle the issue of children going hungry during school holidays around the area of Bidston.
Children would attend tennis sessions during school holidays, and in addition to this they would be able to enjoy a meal and snacks, as well as receiving a toiletry bag and having the opportunity to use the venue’s facilities.
All sessions are delivered by a team of qualified LTA Accredited Coaches and supported by Youth Workers from Wirral Borough Council’s Sports Development team.
The Impact
The project started delivery during the 2024 summer holidays and has already seen 300 children playing tennis and accessing healthy meals through the holidays.
The kids stayed active throughout the days, with tennis activities led by LTA Accredited Coaches, followed by use of the play area, brand new tag active zone and football pitches.
In addition to this, each child was given a toiletry bag and could use the facilities at the club. The bag includes what are considered luxury items at any food bank/social supermarket such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and toothpaste. Additional snacks were also included, as well as an LTA Tennisable, and a Wimbledon Towel.
Debbie, the parent of Theo who attended the sessions said, ‘He came home buzzing from the tennis centre, he’d tried lots of different activities and said it was his best day of the holidays.’
The grant from the LTA Tennis Foundation will prove transformational for so many lives in our local area. We want to make sure everybody has not only access to quality tennis provision, but access to healthy meals during school holidays
Improving Lives Through Tennis
Together, we can help ensure people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to play and enjoy tennis. Every donation makes a difference - no matter how big or small. Thank you for all your support.