NATIONAL sports charity ‘Tennis For Free’ has served up an ace for Frodsham and the surrounding area by investing in a programme of free tennis at Castle Park.

Starting on September 29, the Castle Park tennis courts, Fountain Lane, will be home to free tennis every Sunday afternoon between 2.30-4pm.

In a partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council and the LTA, Tennis For Free will provide free coach-led tennis sessions for all the family for one year as part of its aim to use tennis to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of all members of the community across the UK.

Castle Park Tennis For Free sessions will be led by professional tennis coach Toby Palin and everyone is welcome, you don’t need a racket or a ball as all equipment is provided.

Toby Palin said: "I am very excited to welcome Tennis For Free to Frodsham and join the other 100+ Tennis For Free sites across the UK. The Tennis For Free scheme is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to try tennis for either the first time, or to dust off the cobwebs after a time away from the sport. It’s a fun, friendly and entertaining free weekly event where you’ll make new friends and benefit from regular exercise.

"There is no catch, as the name suggests, everything is free.”

Tennis For Free CEO Paul Jessop said: “We are changing the image of tennis to a sport for all by removing the cost barrier so that members of all communities can play and benefit physically, mentally and socially. Castle Park is one of hundreds of schemes we are opening across the UK over the next five years as part of our plan to get more people playing this wonderful sport.

"We have created specially designed programmes to welcome families, the old and the young, of any ability and the beauty is that each session is led by qualified tennis coaches who will ensure people develop at their own pace.

“But it’s not just about the playing. We have seen at our other schemes that small friendly community groups grow. This social cohesion is great to see especially for those who may not think tennis is for them but is for another member of their family. People can still stay involved and help run the schemes. We are always looking for local volunteers to grow the game, indeed some of our most successful and sustainable schemes across the UK have the coaches supported by a team of volunteers who organise further events which all contributes towards everyone’s wellbeing.”

Nikki Harrison, from the LTA, said: “We are very excited about the free activities being created for people to play tennis in Frodsham through the Tennis for Free programme. Castle Park is a really accessible park in the heart of the community. Having good local easy to access park facilities where you can play informally with your family and friends is really important to encourage people to play.

"But Tennis For Free is also about the ability to meet new people and develop friendships, taking regular exercise and simply having fun.

"It isn’t about finding the next Andy Murray, but about making tennis accessible to all.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Green Spaces, Councillor Louise Gittins, added: “Whether you've never picked up a racket or are a seasoned regular, come along to Castle Park on a Sunday afternoon for the Tennis for Free sessions. Qualified coaches will be on hand and equipment is provided –all for free. The sessions are open to people of all ages and will enhance physical and mental wellbeing.

"Sign up on-line and get involved.”

Sign up for Tennis For Free at Castle Park tennis courts every Sunday between 2:30-4pm at www.tennisforfree.com.