A NEW series of junior tennis coaching programmes to help children of all ages to get into tennis and develop their skills is starting this weekend on February 14 at Barry Athletic Tennis Club on Barry Island.

The mini and junior courses focus on the FUNdamentals of tennis, using modified equipment and expert professional coaching to help to get children off to the right start.

Course one runs form this Sunday, February 14 to Sunday, March 20. A second course starts Sunday, April 10 to Sunday, May 15. Courses are suitable for all abilities and are run by LTA-qualified coach Tom Cole.

There’s even a rainproof guarantee if any weeks are rained off, they will be added at the end of each programme.

The programmes cost just £30 per person and youngsters receive a free t-shirt, and a year’s free junior membership of the club, and can use the club courts if accompanied by an adult member.

Each Sunday programmes are colour coded for different age ranges, with Mini Red for five to seven years old at 10am to 10.55am, Mini Orange and Green for eight to 12 years 11am to 11.55am and Junior Hitters between noon and 12.55pm.

For course booking and further information email barryathletictennisclub@gmail.com

“This is a great way to get youngsters into tennis. It’s fun, healthy and suitable for all youngsters and all abilities.” said Andy Green, publicity officer for Barry Athletic Tennis Club.

Barry Athletic Tennis Club is affiliated to Tennis Wales, the National Governing Body for tennis in Wales, which is part of The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). The club is run by volunteers and is funded by membership fees, which are kept as low as possible, with any profits reinvested back into the club’s activities and its facilities.

Barry Athletic Tennis Club is part of Barry Athletic Club at Paget Road, on Barry Island. Members can enjoy year round tennis with its four all weather courts.

Barry Athletic Tennis Club has in recent years enjoyed national success with its men’s team picking up the national Wales title and other teams winning regional prizes, as well as nurturing some of Wales’ top young talent, and encouraging more people to have a go at tennis.

Members can use the club’s own pavilion with lounge, kitchen, changing rooms, toilets, and showers. It offers good viewing facilities of activities on courts. Members also have free use of tennis balls. There is also ample free car parking.