Lib Dems call for free tennis lessons campaign to boost “grassroots to Grand Slam” path as Wimbledon finals kick off

For immediate release 

As the Wimbledon championship finals begin this weekend, the Lib Dems are calling on the Government to ringfence sports funding allocated at the Spending Review to give children in deprived areas free tennis lessons and equipment – boosting access to the sport regardless of financial ability.

With the Wimbledon finals beginning this weekend, the Liberal Democrats have launched their call for the Government to launch a free tennis coaching campaign – modelled on the LTA’s youth programme – for children growing up in deprived areas.

The party’s culture, media and sport spokesperson, Max Wilkinson MP, celebrated the “proud British tradition” of tennis stars journeying from local public courts to the Grand Slam circuit – but said many are being “priced out” of the sport, and that the Government should be doing more to increase access to tennis, as the London tournament begins.

The Liberal Democrats called for £1 million in ringfenced funding for a scheme, to be allocated from the £400 million pot set out at the Spending Review for grassroots funding for sports. The party estimates 200,000 children could benefit.

Max Wilkinson MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport, said:

“We have a proud British tradition of fantastic tennis players starting out on grassroots courts and going on to grace the turf at Wimbledon – from Fred Perry to Andy Murray.

“Fantastic local coaches and tennis programmes make that journey happen across the country. But many are being priced out of tennis thanks to pay-to-play courts or lack of access to lessons, with many more feeling that the sport just isn’t for them.

“This Wimbledon weekend, we’re calling on the Government to introduce a dedicated, ringfenced fund that provides free tennis lessons and kit for children across the country – boosting their journey from their local courts to the Grand Slam circuit.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The 200,000 figure is based on this LTA youth programme, which charges families £5 for a racket, balls and coaching per child. We would be calling for a similar scheme funded by the Government, estimating that a £1 million ringfenced fund could reach 200,000 children.