Why Market Harborough Lawn Tennis Club is handing out free rackets and balls to new players

The Great Bowden-based club is one of only three tennis clubs in England currently being supported by the Bright Ideas for Tennis charity
Brothers and club members James and Matt McTighe at Market Harborough Lawn Tennis Club.Brothers and club members James and Matt McTighe at Market Harborough Lawn Tennis Club.
Brothers and club members James and Matt McTighe at Market Harborough Lawn Tennis Club.

You may be lucky enough to be handed a free racket and balls when you join Market Harborough Lawn Tennis Club.

The buoyant Great Bowden-based outfit is one of only three tennis clubs in England currently being supported by the Bright Ideas for Tennis charity.

Chair Lesley Paris said: “We are thrilled to be backed by this amazing charity promoting tennis all over the country.

“And we are pleased to say we have a limited number of free rackets and balls to give away to people who haven’t played tennis before.

“We will happily give these to the first families who come along and join us.”

The long-standing club official said they were “delighted” to re-open their courts after the coronavirus-enforced shutdown.

“It’s fantastic to see people out playing our beautiful game again in the sunshine and fresh air on our courts.

“And as a result we have cut all our annual membership fees,” said Lesley, of Lubenham Hill, Market Harborough.

“A family membership is now only £35 and runs all the way through to next March.

“It’s a brilliant offer because up to two adults and three children aged 10 and under can join for that price – so it’s incredible value for money.”

She stressed that both players and non-players were still having to observe strict social distancing.

“That does mean that all courts need to be booked in advance from our website,” said Lesley, who has about 200 adult and junior members.

“We are based at the Recreation ground in Great Bowden and we will soon open our brand new clubhouse after years fighting for it.

“So these are exciting times for all of us at the club and we are looking forward to a super summer.”

If you would like to join up visit the club’s website at: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/MarketHarboroughLawnTennisClub