A partnership between Warwick District Council and community operator 'We Do Tennis' has received an award from the Warwickshire Lawn Tennis Association (WALTA) for a scheme that has introduced hundreds of local people to the game of tennis.

At a ceremony which took place on Monday 26 February the 'Warwick District Parks' team received the WALTA Warwickshire's 'Park of the Year' award for the delivery of affordable and free tennis sessions at the three Council owned facilities at Victoria Park and Christchurch Gardens in Leamington Spa and St Nicholas Park in Warwick.

Since it was set up in July 2023 the local authority/coaching partnership has been amongst the first in the country to run free weekly tennis sessions giving the local community the opportunity be introduced to the game, with more than 260 people taking part in the first 24 weeks of operation.

On allocating the award to the local authority and coaching team partnership, Tony Supperstone, Warwickshire Tennis Management Committee member said: "The 2023 award winner is passionate about opening their tennis courts up to the local community, ensuring that the courts are open and accessible to all local residents.

"A brilliant partnership between the local authority and coaching team to get more people active through tennis."

Cllr Jim Sinnott, Warwick District Council's portfolio holder for communities and leisure said: "We are delighted to receive this award, particularly in the first year of our new partnership with 'We Do Tennis'.

"What's particularly rewarding is that our combined efforts have allowed us to offer local people year-round access to affordable high-class facilities and free coaching opportunities encouraging groups and individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to take up the sport."

Further information on the free weekly park tennis sessions, local tennis leagues and tennis court bookings offered by Warwick District Parks can be found on the Warwick District Council website.