NISSAN is supporting a national tennis charity’s aim of getting more Brits to play the game by donating 10,000 tennis balls.
The balls will be distributed across each of the charity’s free coaching sites and will see an estimated 960 people per week taking part in the coaching.
The donation follows Nissan’s sponsorship of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
The charity, Tennis For Free, was founded in 2004 by acclaimed author and comedian Tony Hawks, and strives to create vibrant tennis communities using public park court facilities for free.
Free coaching is a core focus of Tennis For Free’s work and now, thanks to the backing of the Lawn Tennis Association and the Tennis Foundation, the charity will be doubling the number of free coaching sites from 12 to 24. Cities confirmed to benefit include Plymouth, Liverpool and Birmingham.
What’s more, the expansion will see eight sets of dilapidated park courts resurfaced and saved from closure.
Tony Hawks said: ‘Our mission is to develop vibrant, healthy and socially-engaged communities of all ages and abilities who participate in playing and coaching tennis on a regular basis.
‘A not-for-profit organisation, donations are crucial to the future of Tennis For Free. We’re incredibly grateful to Nissan for the donation of 10,000 tennis balls.’
Vitally important
Nissan’s UK Marketing Manager, John Parslow, added: ‘Grass-roots initiatives play a vitally important role in our communities. We’re delighted to be able to support Tennis For Free in its campaign to develop healthy, fun and free tennis environments.’
Since its launch some seven years ago, Tennis For Free has recorded more than 70,000 attendances in its sessions. The charity is backed by tennis stars Pat Cash and Judy Murray, alongside author and TV presenter Stephen Fry.