Manchester City Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have rolled out a new pilot programme to improve sporting opportunities for local children.

The programme is designed to support children across Manchester in accessing junior tennis performance pathways.

Following the festivals that will be hosted in the spring and summer, children will be invited to join the Manchester Aces Development Squad, which will provide access to equipment, weekly training, and local competitions.

Financial backing for the programme is being delivered by the council, the lead funding partner.

Leisure provider GLL is also delivering court access and coaching at Manchester Tennis and Football Centre, while Tennis Lancashire is offering additional coaching support and local coach Andy Moss is providing training sessions.

Among the supporters of the scheme are tennis stars Naomi Broady and Mika Stojsavljevic, with the latter making an appearance at a local school to offer students tennis advice.

Over 100 schools have already signed up to the programme, which is designed to support Manchester City Council’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy and its aims to help young people enjoy participating in sport and physical activity.

Cllr John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure at Manchester City Council, said: ‘We’re thrilled to welcome this citywide tennis pilot in partnership with the LTA. Using venues across Manchester and running city events to engage local children, especially those from underrepresented groups, ensures this pilot will both celebrate community tennis and feed participants into ongoing coaching and parks programmes.

‘By creating a clear pathway into the Manchester Tennis Development Squad, we’re inspiring the next generation of local tennis players, widening access to performance pathways, and embedding physical literacy, so every child can reach their personal and sporting potential.’

Naomi Broady added: ‘This isn’t just about producing future players, it’s about opening doors and making opportunities accessible to everyone. I’m incredibly proud to support an initiative that reflects the spirit of Manchester, and shows that tennis can, and should, be for all.’

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