Sunderland is serving up free tennis this summer, joining cities like London and Manchester in offering weekly sessions open to all. Starting Sunday 11th May, residents can take part in one-hour, activator-led sessions every Sunday at Barnes Park from 10am-11am.
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00:00A familiar sound could be returning to Sunderland's Parks this summer.
00:05The bounce of a tennis ball and the chatter of neighbours coming together on the court.
00:10Starting Sunday 11 May, Barnes Park will host free weekly tennis sessions, open to anyone in the community.
00:17Running from 10 in the morning until 11 every Sunday, the sessions are led by trained activators,
00:23designed for people of all ages and skill levels.
00:26No experience is necessary and there is no need to bring equipment.
00:30The sessions are part of a broader effort to bring people together in shared spaces, using sport as a way to connect.
00:37For some, it's a chance to rediscover a sport they once played.
00:41For others, it's simply an opportunity to get outside, move a little and meet people in a friendly setting.
00:47With a mix of structured activity and social time, these sessions aim to create a sense of belonging.
00:53Whether you're playing competitively or just giving tennis a try for the first time.
00:59There are two courts at the Green Flag award-winning park, Barnes Park, as well as others across Sunderland,
01:05that are available for everyone to use.
01:08All of which have been upgraded recently.
01:10The Free Tennis Programme is part of a larger national push to make sport more inclusive.
01:17While professional tennis often grabs the headlines, this initiative focuses on the grassroots,
01:23on giving everyday people the opportunity to try something new,
01:26and perhaps reclaim a piece of their local space in the process.
01:30If you want to find out more or book a place, residents can head online and search for tennis sessions at Barnes Park.
01:37But organisers say there's no pressure, just turn up, take part, and enjoy your local park in a new way.