The Tennis Titan’s Project ran from 25th July to the 19th August 2022 at the Derbyshire Tennis Centre. The aim of the project was to support disadvantaged kids in having access to sport and healthy food/drink during the Summer holidays at no cost. The project was supported by the Titan Children’s Trust and Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing being hosted at Derbyshire Tennis Centre. Kids mainly based in and around the Normanton area were used to fill the places available.
During the sessions ran 9.30am-3.30pm Monday – Friday during the 4 weeks the kids took part in plenty of sporting/physical activity. The coaches at the centre tasked the children aged from 4-15 years old with different activities to help with their physical condition/motor skills and even improving confidence/communicational skills. Although there was a focus on tennis other activities were found to be enjoyable such as dodgeball / team relays for example.
Across the 4 weeks 196 places were taken by disadvantaged children. Lunches were provided by Normanton Road Subway who gave us a mix of food platters for the children each day.
The project was well received with the children/parents and future projects are being discussed to ensure opportunities continue to be available for disadvantaged families.
Rob Hawkins (Centre Manager – Derbyshire Tennis Centre) said “Supporting a project of this nature is what the Tennis Centre is all about, as a community centre we welcome all to come along and enjoy themselves. Giving opportunities to children who normally wouldn’t have access to the sport is a great feeling, we will continue to support the children should they want to continue with tennis activities.”
Picture from left to right; Jason Kavanagh and Felix Frixou (Titan Children’s Trust), Jonathan Hornblow (Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing), Rob Hawkins (Centre Manager Derbyshire Tennis Centre)
