5 December 2019

Get tennis done: for the many, not the few

With the General Election looming and all parties trying to woo voters with what they would do in office, we recently published our just for fun, tennis manifesto. But what do you think?  We invited suggestions

What would you do if you were in charge of tennis in the UK. We set out a Tennis Manifesto here and asked what would be in yours. The results were diverse and imaginative. Here is a selection:

Investment incentives

"Offer tax breaks to pro players willing to re-invest in their local national tennis infrastructure. This would encourage 360 degree movement and participation in sport from beginners to elite performers. It's probably controversial as many top players maintain residences abroad to protect high earnings, but it might work if they can be encouraged 'home' by financial incentives. It worked in Ireland with successful artists, such as U2," Ian, Edinburgh

KEEP THE RAIN OUT

"Temporary roofs on outdoor courts in winter. Wet courts are dangerous," Monica, London

LESSONS FOR ALL

"Well maintained, affordable and accessible courts with lessons for all," Zhen-Yue, London

OPEN UP WIMBLEDON

"Ask Wimbledon to review how it allocates tickets to our premier tournament so more people can get in instead of all the corporate debentures," Alison, Chelmsford

MORE INDOOR COURTS

"We also don't just need indoor courts to be more affordable, we need more indoor courts full stop. London for instance is a city of nearly 9 million yet within the central transport zones there are mabye 3 or 4 pay and play centres comprising less than 30 courts. We need enough indoor courts for people to easily, affordably and comfortably play tennis all year round," William, London

GUARANTEED, SUBSIDISED LESSONS FOR CHILDREN

"Free tennis lessons at indoor centres for kids whose parents are on benefits," Jonathan, Newcastle

GREENER TENNIS

"The LTA should actively be promoting [greener tennis]. I've written to them several times suggesting they encourage clubs to be greener specifically by facilitating solar panels on club house roofs. And how about reduced club fees or coaching for those who walk or cycle to the courts?" Gerard, Reading

TENNIS FOR OVER SIXTIES

"If I were to bid for the sought after job of Tennis PM, I would pledge to create a 60s-and-over tennis league to prevent veteran players abandoning the game. I would also increase the size of tennis balls to make them less toilsome to hit. The changes would not mistake the competitiveness of these players many of whom are still very capable of holding their own against younger players. I would certainly seek to be a positive influence on those who still want to carry on enjoying this wonderful game which kings and subjects have been playing for years. Long live tennis!" Pedro, London
 

Above all, get playing! Find your nearest local league here: http://localtennisleagues.com/leagues