Shropshire primary school pupils will be introduced to tennis via the newly-launched LTA Youth Programme at a series of fun roadshows around the county this week.

Shropshire tennis coaches will be visiting schools from Monday to Friday to deliver free tennis lessons, with hundreds of children set to take part.

It’s all part of an LTA drive to get more children picking up a racket and enjoying playing tennis.

Part of the LTA Youth Programme also involves teachers being able to complete free online sessions to allow them to start teaching tennis lessons.

More than 50 Shropshire teachers have already signed up - in the process earning their schools a £250 reward voucher and a free activity pack - together with the confidence to begin teaching tennis sessions, often supported by coaches.

Bob Kerr, the LTA Councillor for Tennis Shropshire, said the response from the county’s schools and teachers to the new LTA Youth Programme has been excellent.

“I’ve never known a response like it from schools,” he said.

“Tennis Shropshire ran a pilot scheme towards the end of 2019 to offer some taster sessions during lessons.

“It took place during curriculum time and about 3,000 children enjoyed those taster sessions during a successful week.

“It involved six Shropshire clubs, with six coaches going into schools and delivering the sessions, with pupils who had enjoyed them then invited to their local clubs.

“The results were quite staggering,” said Mr Kerr.

“From the children that actually went to a local club, about 80 per cent signed up to a Tennis for Kids course, as it was at the time, or other junior programmes that clubs were offering.

All attention now turns to the schools’ roadshow with hopes high of a similar surge in interest among schools as pupils return after lockdown.

“Taster sessions are being held in primary schools across the county, with children then invited to a number of clubs over this weekend of May 15 and 16.

Shropshire schools keen to find out more about programme, and how to get involved, can email simon.haddleton@theshrewsburyclub.co.uk.