Thornden, one of Hampshire & IOW premier clubs, held an open fun day to attract new members and encourage children, adults and families to come and give tennis a try.
Over 150 people participated in the event in Chandler's Ford, which offered completely free family, junior and mini tennis sessions, as well as coaching and Cardio tennis. On court activities were conducted by head coach, and current Team GB Seniors player Paul Scullard.
The most notable was an exhibition doubles match featuring former Sky Sports & ITV Daybreak presenter and 'Strictly Come Dancing' contestant Dan Lobb. Dan is a former Thornden pupil and before his media career was ranked as Great Britain's number 18 professional tennis player. Despite confessing to be a bit 'rusty', Dan soon demonstrated the skills that he no doubt relied on when once beating Tim Henman!
Also supporting the event was Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine. Steve is a keen member of the 'All Party Parliamentary Tennis Group' and has supported many LTA events since his time in office.
Keen to get on court, Steve enjoyed hitting with the juniors and said: "We are definitely guilty in this country of only focusing on tennis for two weeks each year but that couldn't be further from the truth at the Thornden Tennis Club which is clearly thriving. The Great British Tennis Weekend is a smart idea, to not just capitalise on Wimbledon season, but use it to bring new people from all ages and abilities to get into the game."
Event organiser Matt Pitman added: "We are delighted to have attracted so many people of all ages to our club today, everyone seems to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Tennis is a very enjoyable, social sport, with generally low participation costs, and it's great for keeping fit and making new friends."
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