A junior tennis course for Thamesmead youngsters came to a successful conclusion on Friday (17 August) with a presentation of certificates and prizes on the courts in Crossway Park.

The week-long course, which was organised by Sporting Club Thamesmead, was delivered by coaches from Shooters Hill Tennis Club.

Dan Wells, who is Sporting Club Thamesmead’s Sports Development Worker said: “The tennis course was one of a series we’ve put together for young people during the holidays, the others being golf and football.

“This is, to my knowledge, the first time for a long while that organised tennis skills have been taught on the courts in Crossway Park and to have the course full to capacity has been fantastic."

Tennis coach Luke House agreed, adding: “It’s been a great week. All the children have been really engaged, keen to learn and to develop their tennis skills. They’ve been brilliantly behaved and it’s been so good to see the older ones helping the younger ones with their training.”

Christianah Obembe (11) said: “It’s been really good. I want to carry on playing tennis now I’ve got this far. I am starting secondary school next month and will be able to play more there.”

While Darah Akin-Odidi, the youngest on the course at 7½ years old, said: “I do play tennis a bit at school but this has been good. I’ve learnt more new games and different skills. I will play more now too.”

Opening soon, Sporting Club Thamesmead is a brand new multi-million pound community sports and leisure club offering sports, health and fitness programmes and a range of community activities.

For more information visit: www.sportingclubthamesmead.co.uk