School kids on national TV as Tim Henman Foundation visits for tennis coaching session
Television cameras visited a Croydon school for a very special tennis coaching session which was broadcast on national TV.
Chestnut Park Primary School, in St James’ Road, Croydon, saw its children take part in filming a tennis programme with The Tim Henman Foundation and MDL Coaching, and it was shown on BBC One’s Morning Live show on Thursday.
Presenter and former Olympic athlete Jeanette Kwakye joined the young tennis enthusiasts for a game after they went through a warm-up session led by MDL Coaching.
“Tennis has traditionally been seen as an elitist sport,” said Jamie Feaver, chief executive of The Tim Henman Foundation. “However, that is changing and children of all ages and backgrounds now have the opportunity to partake through schemes and programmes such as this.
“Our coaches spot talent, but it is also about children enjoying themselves, playing and exercising and having fun. I am excited for the future of tennis, it is becoming more diverse and we are seeing that on court.”
The foundation has been working with the school for the last two years and the initiative has seen children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to take part try the sport.
“As it’s summer and Wimbledon season, it’s a great time to get inspired and involved with tennis. It’s never too late to start, it is a game for life and it’s fantastic to be able to deliver sessions in school and inspire children,” said Mark Love, founder of MDL Coaching.
“The children have really enjoyed the sessions,” he added.
The former world number four and British number one player Tim Henman, currently commentating on the Wimbledon tournament, visited the school when the project was launched in 2021.
The scheme saw all children at the school in 2022 receive coaching. They were given a T-shirt and racket as part of the ‘graduation’ event.
A lunchtime club was established and the funding from The Tim Henman Foundation has seen delivery of the project via MDL Coaching.
Pictured top: Chestnut Park Primary School kids during a coaching session (Picture: GLF Schools)