By Andy Green

SOCIAL distance-friendly tennis is being launched at Barry Athletic Tennis Club from today – with half-price membership being offered.

The move follows the announcement by the Welsh Government on the relaxation of lockdown rules. and is adopting guidelines by Tennis Wales, the ruling body for tennis in Wales, to ensure safety is paramount.

Tennis Wales and the Lawn Tennis Association have published detailed guidance for venues, coaches and players, so that tennis in Wales is able to safely resume.

Court usage is limited to members only, new members are always welcome with a special offer of half-price membership available from the club.

Both Singles and Doubles play is permitted (doubles partners should be from the same household).

Each player must bring their own tennis balls with their initials on to handle and serve. To return opponents ball, players are instructed to use their racquets or kick the balls.

One-to-one coaching, from eight years through to adults is also available with the club’s professional coaches Siwan Stephens or Rob Wedlake.

Each coach has their own supplies of initialled tennis balls which the participant will not be able to touch at any time. Players should bring their own initialled tennis balls for serving practice.

To ensure safety the club’s clubhouse will remain closed.

Anyone wanting further details about the club or would like to join please email barryathtennis@gmail.com or visit the club’s website at https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/barrytennis/Membership/Join

Commenting on the move, the club’s coach Rob Wedlake said: “This is great news. Tennis is a social-distant friendly sport.

“By following the guidelines we can do our utmost to play safe while enjoying a great sporting activity for all ages and abilities. We are looking forward to getting on to the courts and playing the game we love.”