Move over Serena Williams and Roger Federer - Chichester District has its own tennis champions

Chichester District Council, in conjunction with Active Sussex, has been running three Sportivate Tennis Champions schemes around the district.

The schemes have been running for the past few months in Chichester, Midhurst and Southbourne. Almost 40 young people have been involved.

The aim of the scheme has been to encourage young teenagers to continue with sport through professional tennis coaching sessions.

Councillor Eileen Lintill, the council's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Wellbeing and Community Services, says: "This is a new scheme and it has been a great success. It's really important to encourage young people to continue to play sport, especially in their young teens when there are so many other demands on their time. We hope this will keep them enthusiastic about tennis and they will continue to with the sport."

The scheme has received positive feedback from the participants. Amy Wright, 14, from Chichester High Schools for Girls, has attended sessions at Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club. She says: "I've really enjoyed the sessions and learned a lot. I will definitely be continuing to play after this."

Fellow Chichester High School for Girls pupil, Leanne Beck, also 14, says: "I've picked up a lot of tips about playing. It has helped perfect my skills." She added that her favourite player was Andy Murray because of his dedication to the sport.

For more information on sport in the Chichester District please contact the Sports Team. Contact details are on the right hand side of this page.

Date: 23 July 2012

Reference: 3152