Published: Thursday 23rd February 2017 | 8.34am
Hednesford Park is celebrating its achievement in winning `Site of the Year` 2016 for its free tennis sessions.
It was officially announced last week by Tennis For Free (TFF) that Hednesford Park was a worthy winner of this award. Having delivered TFF sessions to 934 individuals in 2016, the park has been in the top two ranking positions throughout last year.
The `Site of the Year` award is given out by Tennis For Free, who are a registered charity that was set up 2004 to address the barriers for participation in tennis.
Successful sites need to show incredible success in a variety of areas. These include great attendance figures, success stories, volunteer engagement, training of new coaches, links with partner agencies and a positive impact on the local community.
Aside from the great attendance figures, the park has attracted volunteers and coaches to their team and has actively helped sustain the link Cheslyn Hay Tennis Club has with new members and new inter-league teams.
The TFF sessions are delivered by Cheslyn Hay Tennis Club and held every Sunday between 10am and 12noon. The sessions are open to every one of any level and any age (from 4 years and above).
The club, in partnership with the Council and The Friends of Hednesford Park is working towards building a vibrant tennis community at the park.
The park offers other initiatives including the GP Referral Service which is linked directly to the TFF sessions and a Police Social Inclusion Scheme which operates on the same tennis courts.
Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said: “We`re delighted that Hednesford Park has achieved this award. The Tennis For Free sessions have been a great success and have encouraged people to visit the park and participate in tennis. This is another impressive award for a brilliant community park.”
“If you are interested in taking part in one of these sessions then go along on a Sunday morning and meet the coaches from Cheslyn Hay Tennis Club.”
Chris Perrin, Head Tennis Coach at Cheslyn Hay Tennis Club said "I am delighted that we have received this award, it’s for the community for their continued enthusiasm for tennis. It is great seeing all ages and abilities taking part every Sunday morning no matter what the weather. Everyone is welcome whether you have played tennis before or if it’s the first time you've picked up a racket.“
You can register for TFF at Hednesford Park online at www.cheslynhaytennis.com.
You can also follow Tennis in Cannock on twitter at @CheslynHayTC or contact local tennis coach and scheme leader Chris Perrin on 07969 829318.