Charity serves an ace in Market Drayton

Hot on the heels of its popular walking football groups, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is hoping to smash it out of the park with a new walking tennis initiative in Shropshire.

The charity welcomes participants aged 55+ of all abilities, to join their new walking tennis group in Market Drayton.

‘This will be a low impact and fun activity that will benefit your physical and your mental health,’ said Emma Wilde, Wellbeing Services Manager at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.

The new group, beginning Monday 15 July, is part of a programme being rolled out in communities across England over the next two years, and is being launched with funding from the Lawn Tennis Association’s Tennis Foundation.

‘We’re extremely grateful to both the Tennis Foundation and the national Age UK for funding this project,’ said Emma.

The walking version of the much-loved sport is designed to be a gentle and inclusive game and provides a supportive environment for older people of all abilities. The rules of the game have been changed to include: no running or jumping, allowing the ball to bounce twice and the option to play on a smaller court with modified equipment.

‘Walking tennis provides a fantastic way to stay active while enjoying the social benefits of being part of a tennis community,’ said a Tennis Foundation spokesperson.

‘The sessions are open to everyone, for those who have a backhand like Novak Djokovic or can hit a serve as fast as Serena Williams, as well as those who’ve never played before, or anyone who is simply seeking a more relaxed pace of play! So why not come along and give it a go?’

Sessions will take place every Monday, 2.30-3.30pm at Market Drayton Tennis Club, Greenfields Lane, Market Drayton, TF9 3SL.

For more information about Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s walking tennis sessions, call us on 01743 233 123 or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk