Andy's win sets off love for game

Youngsters hit some balls on Zetland Park Tennis Courts

The Scots superstar owned Centre Court on Sunday, defeating Milos Raonic in three sets to take the trophy he first won in 2013.

Even before Andy’s major success last weekend the tennis courts at Zetland Park were filled with youngsters hitting serves, volleys, forehands and backhands and dreaming about emulating the Murray magic.

Stuart Raeburn, Falkirk Community Trust sports development officer, said: “It certainly doesn’t hurt at all to have Andy win another Wimbledon. It’s great for youngsters to see him have this success and is quite inspiring for them.”

Zetland Tennis Courts, which underwent major refurbishment in 2014, now offer coaching sessions for young people over the summer holidays every Saturday morning and are hosting week-long tennis schools from the end of the month.

Stuart said: “We’ve had 30 people at a time receiving coaching at our Saturday sessions and our week-long tennis coaching sessions have been full to capacity. We are planning to run three more starting on July 25, August 1 and August 8.

“We keep the numbers at around 12 so the coaches get to spend quality time with each player.”

Saturday and Sunday is the Great British Tennis Weekend and Zetland Park is marking the Lawn Tennis Association event by staging a Tennis Tournament on Sunday for ages five to 18 from 10am.

There will be fun-filled tournaments for different age groups to ensure plenty of games.

Stuart said: “Ages five to seven will be in the red group, with softer balls to play with, while ages eight to ten will be in the orange category with equipment suitable for them.

“Ages ten and over will be in the green category and play with standard tennis equipment.”

As well as the tournament, Saturday coaching sessions and week-long coaching schools, Zetland Tennis Courts also regularly serves up the Little Smasher initiative which is aimed at pre-school children.

“It’s for ages three to five,” said Stuart. “And gives basic coaching to get them working on their co-ordination.”

To book a session at the tennis courts or get more information visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org or call (01324) 506850.