National sports charity Tennis For Free has served up an ace for Borehamwood by investing in a programme of free tennis sessions at the Meadow Park tennis courts, Brook Road, Borehamwood, starting on Sunday, June 9.

In an exciting partnership with Hertsmere Borough Council and the LTA, Tennis For Free will provide free coach-led tennis sessions for all the family for one year as part of its aim to use tennis to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of all members of the community across the UK.

With over 100 schemes across the UK, Meadow Park is one of several similar schemes in the South East and the official launch will be June 9 from 10-11:30am. Everyone is welcome, you don’t need a racquet or a ball as all equipment is provided free of charge.

Lead scheme organiser Jordan Miles said: "I am very excited to welcome Tennis For Free to Borehamwood. It is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to try tennis for either the first time or to dust off the cobwebs after a time away from the sport.

“It’s a fun, friendly and entertaining free weekly event where you’ll make new friends and benefit from regular exercise. There is no catch, as the name suggests. Everything is free.”

Tennis For Free CEO Paul Jessop said: “We are changing the image of tennis to a sport for all by removing the cost barrier so that members of all communities can play and benefit physically, mentally and socially.

“Meadow Park is one of hundreds of schemes we are opening across the UK over the next five years as part of our plan to get more people playing this wonderful sport.

“We have created specially designed programmes to welcome families, the old and the young, of any ability and the beauty is that each session is led by qualified tennis coaches who will ensure people develop at their own pace.

Leo Tutt from the LTA said: “Having good local easy to access park facilities where you can play informally with your family and friends is really important to encourage people to play, but Tennis For Free is also about the ability to meet new people and develop friendships, taking regular exercise and simply having fun. It isn’t about finding the next Andy Murray, but about making tennis accessible to all.”

Councillor Caroline Clapper, Hertsmere Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Leisure said: “Whether you've never picked up a racquet or are a seasoned regular there's no excuse not to visit the Tennis For Free sessions.

“Qualified coaches, all equipment provided…all for free. These sessions will benefit those with limited access to sport, enhance physical and mental well-being and re-energise people of all ages.”

Sign up for Tennis For Free at Meadow Park every Sunday from 10-11:30am at www.tennisforfree.com.