Youngsters in Cannock were given the opportunity to work on their serve and volley with free tennis coaching funding by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis.
The tennis coaching was part of WLCT’s summer Chase it! Programme. Cheslyn Hay Tennis Club provided the coaches for the session and for all involved in these sessions there is the opportunity to take up tennis as a hobby and continue with their coaching. Chase It! gives local young people the chance to experience great days, activity camps, arts activities and sports sessions throughout the school summer holiday.
Space was originally an activities scheme led by police in Staffordshire during the 80’s and 90’s aimed at engaging with young people. The new version of Space, coordinated by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, has now been refreshed and updated.
Mr Ellis has pledged up to £140,000 to fund activities with an aim to increase skills, improve health and general wellbeing by creating opportunities for young people to engage positively. Activities in Cannock include Crazy golf, tennis, football hockey, film and media projects and much more.
The Space programme, which will finish on Friday 4 September, is aimed at 11-17 year olds and will offer a wide range of events and activities across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas.
Mr Ellis said: “The tennis coaching session was a great turnout and it was wonderful to see young people out and about, engaged in activities, having fun and enjoying themselves.”
“It’s not just about tennis it’s about enabling youngsters to get outdoors and enjoy themselves in a safe environment whilst learning new skills. It’s what the Space programme is all about.”
Debbie Pearce, Community Recreation Officer at WLCT, said: “The Chase It! Summer activities so far have been very well attended. We are very grateful for the funding we have received from the Police and Crime Commissioner as it has enabled us to put on more activities for the older age range of young people and increase the capacity of these activities.”
Chris Perrin, Tennis Coach at Cheslyn Hay Tennis Club said, “It is amazing that youngsters have the chance to play tennis in a safe and friendly environment where parent’s know that they will be safe.”
“We really appreciate the opportunity to provide activities via the Space scheme”
More information on the Space programme, including a calendar of events is available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/space.
