Successful primary schools' tennis festival (From Penarth Times)

Successful primary schools' tennis festival

YOUNGSTERS have served up a feast of tennis in the Penarth Community Tennis Partnership Primary Schools' Championship finals.

The closely fought event involved pupils from St Joseph's and Evenlode, with the former winning the girls' competition and their local rivals enjoying success in the boys' final.

Run in association with the local Windsor and Penarth Rectory clubs, the Community Tennis Partnership was established in 1999 with the aim of providing a structured pathway of development for junior players. In addition to the clubs, the Vale of Glamorgan Council Sports Development Unit, Tennis Wales and Penarth schools work collectively to improve tennis opportunities in the area with the support of a £15,000 Lawn Tennis Association grant.

The scheme's main focus has been to develop after school clubs, which has involved training teachers, providing equipment and, ultimately, attracting more children into local clubs where they enjoy excellent coaching in a fun, safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

Tennis Wales Development Officer Alison Rees said: "The scheme's key objective is to ensure that tennis is accessible to as many children as possible. If children wish to continue playing, then the clubs will provide the opportunities at either a recreational or competitive level. If there are any potential Wimbledon champions, we will link the players into the Tennis Wales Elite Performance Programme."

Also involved in the scheme this year were the primary schools at Albert Road, Fairfield and Victoria, Penarth and Sully, and St Cyres Comprehensive School.

Vale councillor Maureen Kelly-Owen, who presented trophies to the children, said: "The Vale Council is delighted to support such an exciting scheme, and participating schools and both clubs should be congratulated on their fantastic work in developing tennis in the area."

Anyone requiring further information about the scheme should contact Vale Sports Development Manager Paul Nanji on 01446 704614.