Game, set, match! Age UK Devon smashes it out of the park with the launch of its new Walking Tennis Programme

Age UK Devon, with funding from the LTA Tennis Foundation and the national Charity Age UK, is proud to launch its new Walking Tennis service for older people in Exmouth and Sidmouth, to help improve physical health and tackle loneliness and isolation.

Walking Tennis offers a slower format of the traditional game by introducing simple rules to make it less physically demanding, easier to learn, but just as much fun.

The rules are: 

• Players can’t run or jump
• Players are allowed to let the ball bounce twice (although this is optional)
• It can be played on a smaller court with modified equipment

Age UK Devon’s walking tennis sessions will start on Thursday 4 July and Tuesday 9 July and will be held at Exmouth Tennis & Fitness Centre every Thursday from 10.00am – 11.30am and Coburg Fields Tennis Courts in Sidmouth every Tuesday from 11.00am – 12.30pm. The sessions are open to anyone over the age of 50 regardless of ability or previous experience.

Sophie Littlewood, Chief Executive at Age UK Devon said: “We’re thrilled to have launched the Age UK Walking Tennis Programme in Exmouth and Sidmouth, thanks to funding from The LTA Tennis Foundation. By combining the expertise of Age UK with the support of the Foundation, we are not only introducing older people to the joys of tennis but also creating a platform for improved overall wellbeing. Importantly, our programme is designed to be inclusive, welcoming individuals of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can participate, benefit from and most of all enjoy the sportTop of Form.”

To sign up to Age UK Devon’s walking tennis programme, or for more information, please contact us on 0333 241 2340 or email info@ageukdevon.org.uk.

Age UK Devon is also looking for volunteers to support with its walking tennis sessions. If you would like to get involved, then please contact us on the details above.