16 Jun 2003 - 01 Jan 2004
City tennis kids get the 'Will to Win' in Regent's Park
Regent's Park

There will be a carnival atmosphere in Regent's Park on Monday 16th June when the Lawn Tennis Association opens its first City Tennis Club in central London at the "smashed! with Ariel Champions of the Future" urban celebrity event.

The LTA has partnered with The Royal Parks, Will to Win Tennis and the London Borough of Westminster in this unique partnership. Will to Win also provides tennis coaching for kids from all backgrounds on park courts in Chiswick and in Hyde Park. The partnership has made these clubs safe, open and friendly environments for people of all ages and abilities to have a go for as little as £2.

Will Weston, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks said, "The Royal Parks have been making major strides in sports provision recently and this partnership with the LTA and Will to Win is another significant achievement. The City Tennis Club fits perfectly with our ongoing £5 million project to improve sports facilities and accessibility for the communities around Regent's Park."

Steve Riley, Managing Director of Will to Win said, "We want make tennis as accessible as possible by providing a welcoming environment for people to play in, and to provide quality tennis coaching. Will to Win is about introducing as many players as possible to tennis with a clear development path. We are working closely with clubs, schools and local authorities to create a successful community tennis triangle."

John Love, Middlesex's County Development Officer commented, "The LTA has been aware of the success of the Will to Win model and is delighted to support this coach-led scheme to get kids in the community to do more than just watch. Regent's Park is one of 23 City Tennis Clubs."

The star studded launch will see British No.1 Tim Henman playing against Jonathan Ross in the "smashed, with Ariel Champions of the Future" and is sure to inspire kids to get out on court

The first of the CTCs was opened in Hackney, London in June 2001 by former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright. He has since been joined as an official ambassador by Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Wimbledon legends, John McEnroe, Pat Cash, Venus Williams and Davis Cup Captain Roger Taylor are also supporters of the CTC programme.

Editor's notes:
"smashed! with Ariel Champions of the Future" is taking place on 16th June 2003 in Regent's Park. Celebrities participating in this cool urban tennis event will be encouraging kids to do more than just watch and become the champions of the future. For more information visit www.smashed.tv or www.ariel.info

The LTA currently has 23 City Tennis Clubs in Great Britain. The City Tennis Club scheme aims to refurbish and regenerate existing park courts in partnership with local authorities. By charging as little as £1 a session, the scheme encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to get out on court and have a go. Further details are available at the City Tennis Club website: www.LTA.org.uk/citytennisclubs

GB Davis Cup Captain Roger Taylor, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Former England Footballer Ian Wright are official CTC ambassadors. The scheme has also been supported by Venus Williams and Wimbledon legend John McEnroe.

Will to Win Tennis provides tennis coaching for kids from all backgrounds on park courts in Chiswick, Hyde Park, and now Regent's Park, in partnership with the LTA and The Royal Parks. Tim Henman launched the first club in Chiswick in 1997, and now all clubs include Kids Zones delivering Mini Tennis programmes, and work closely with local schools. Will to Win and Ealing Council have formed a recent partnership to develop a 16-court site in South Ealing, with support from Middlesex LTA. Call 07957 110 403 for details or email Steve Riley; willtowin@btopenworld.com or visit : www.tennis-uk.com

The Regent's Park is a Royal Park that evolved from the 1811 plans of John Nash, Crown Architect and friend of The Prince Regent. Today the Park includes gardens, a lake with islands, a heronry and waterfowl collection, sports and catering, children's playgrounds and the Open Air Theatre. It also contains London Zoo and is the largest outdoor grass area for sports in central London.

The Royal Parks have a major £5 million project underway to totally renovate sports facilities in Regent's Park. With £2 million raised in just 12 months, The Royal Parks are currently restoring Regent's Park's exceptionally popular playing fields. Plans for a major new £3 million sports pavilion for the Park have been approved and a major fundraising drive is underway.

The other Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park and St James's Park. The Royal Parks also manage Brompton Cemetery and The Longford River.

Further information:
http://www.tennis-uk.com.