Young pupils at an East Hampshire school have been given a first class introduction to tennis by a neighbouring club.

Newman Collard Tennis Club invited a group of Liss Infant School pupils to try out the sport through an outreach programme.

The experience was ace with the club agreeing to hold weekly lessons for their Kingfisher class during summer termtime.

Club coach Natasha Harris and volunteers delivered a unique session to children and teachers through the I-Play 30 tennis programme developed by charity, Bright Ideas For Tennis.

The national scheme is designed for participants with learning, sensory and physical disabilities or those experiencing mental ill health. The club’s inaugural session with Kingfishers in 2021 was the first expansion of the programme into Hampshire and the South West.

Newman Collard’s outreach programme – kickstarted in 2017 through a fundraising tennis festival – extends beyond I-Play 30 as they hold taster events throughout spring to get people of all ages and abilities into playing.

A recent family coaching day was a hit while taster sessions for the Crossover Youth Group, Beavers, Guides and Brownies units will take place throughout May. For more information look for Newman Collard Tennis Club on Facebook or email [email protected]

Meanwhile, NCTC member Ben Marsh will attempt a Torchlight Tennis Marathon after the Liss Village Festival on June 22 to raise funds for replacement floodlights. He will play with the aid of a headtorch for twelve hours from 6pm to 6am, to donate look for torchlight tennis at www.justgiving.com