The Tennis Foundation is now inviting applicants for its series of wheelchair tennis camps that will take place across Britain in 2011, the next one of which is at Bolton Arena on the weekend of 19th - 20th February.
Camps are being held for both Juniors and Adults at a series of locations throughout the year, with the aim of giving as many as possible the chance to try out wheelchair tennis.
All the camps are an ACE way to try your hand at one of the most popular of the Paralympic sports, with expert coaching and guidance and the chance to try out purpose-built tennis chairs all part of a package that offers everyone of all abilities and ages a SMASHING experience.
As well as offering two days of coaching from qualified tennis coaches and the chance to pick up tips from experienced players, everyone attending the camps will receive information to take away, with advice on where to continue playing in their localities, whether it be just for fun, for the purpose of keeping fit or with a view to going on to compete in tournaments.
With the next camp in Bolton ideally placed for new players from across the northern reaches of the country, as well as those from further afield. Beijing Paralympic medallist Jamie Burdekin, one of the North West's most successful wheelchair tennis players, explains that this is an ideal introduction to the sport.
"My first experience of wheelchair tennis was at a Tennis Foundation wheelchair tennis camp, which a group of us attended when I was in Southport Spinal Unit," said Crosby-based Burdekin, a former Marine. "From the first time I hit a ball I was hooked on the sport and it's given me so many great experiences, taken me around the world, I've got a Paralympic medal and now I'm working towards the ultimate goal of the London 2012 Paralympics. I would challenge anyone to give it a go and before long they could find themselves on a journey to even greater things. It doesn't matter why you play, whether it be for fun or because you have that ultra-competitive edge, the most import thing is that you have enjoy playing, so give it a go."
To book your place on any of the camps, you can download an application form from the Tennis Foundation website, where you can find out more about wheelchair tennis. Alternatively, call the Tennis Foundation on 0845 872 0522 or email disabilitytennis@tennisfoundation.org.uk
The 2011 TF Wheelchair Tennis Camps will be taking place on the following dates;
February - 19th & 20th , Bolton, Lancashire
March - 26th & 27th, Taunton, Somerset
July - 23rd & 24th, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
August - 15th/16th/17th, (Junior ONLY) - Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire
September - 10th & 11th, Loughborough, Leicestershire
November - 12th & 13th, Swindon, Wiltshire