TENNIS: Anyone for tennis? Youngsters in the Ipswich area can soon take their first steps towards a tennis career that may one day lead to the Centre Court at Wimbledon.

By Elvin King

Anyone for tennis? Youngsters in the Ipswich area can soon take their first steps towards a tennis career that may one day lead to the Centre Court at Wimbledon.

Ipswich Borough Council is organising two mini tennis red courses over the school Easter holidays – one at Whitton Sports Centre and the other at Ensors Tennis Centre in Henley Road.

Mini tennis red is an adapted version of tennis featuring special low bouncing balls and small rackets specially designed for young inexperienced players.

These two courses are part of the Sport England Active Sports Suffolk Partnership scheme – a five-year development targeting nine on the nation's most popular sports.

In its first year the Partnership will focus on four sports - tennis, basketball, swimming and hockey.

The aim is to help youngsters get more from their involvement in sport and improve playing standards through regular quality coaching and competition.

Ipswich Borough Council's Sports Development unit is responsible for co-ordinating the scheme and has been busy planning the first phase.

The tennis course is being run by Lawn Tennis Association qualified coach Frank Dixon, with the emphasis being on developing movement, co-ordination, ball skills and above all fun. All equipment is provided.

Youngsters in school years three and four are the ones being targeted and the cost of the course is £5. Booking forms can be obtained from Ipswich Council on 433500 or a leaflet can be picked up at any Borough Council sports centre.

The other five sports involved in the Partnership scheme – and to be included in the future – are athletics, cricket, netball, rugby and girls' football.