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<channel>
<title>epark</title>
<link>http://www.eparktennis.com/</link>
<description>epark</description><language>en-uk</language>
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	<title><![CDATA[Become A Park Court Winner]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Sally Kinnes and Nigel Billen run tennis leagues on local park courts. The first league was in Highbury, North London and the Highbury Fields Tennis League is now in its fifth year. It regularly attracts more than 60 players for each eight week round. There are now nine other leagues, including Wimbledon Park, Clapham Common and the Meadows in Edinburgh. Each league offers mixed, adult singles for players of all standards (and in some cases mixed doubles as well). New players are always most welcome to join. Each round costs just £10 and for that players get five or six matches, the chance to win cash or champagne prizes and a free can of balls.   Whether you are a player, or have ideas about where the next league could be set up, Sally and Nigel would love to hear from you. For more information follow the link below, email highburyfieldstennis@gmail.com or phone 0750 328 1732.  
The Park Tennis League Project http://highburyfieldstennis.tripod.com/id31.html]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=7]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=7</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-06-09T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Tim Henman Launches eparktennis.com]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Tim Henman has launched eparktennis.com on Henman hill at Wimbledon. As tennis fever starts to grip the nation, The Tennis Foundation wants to get more people playing. eparktennis.com allows people to find their local public court and create tennis groups. The site was officially launched by Tim Henman on Henman Hill. So welcome to the site, we hope you enjoy it. ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=9]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=9</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-06-22T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Epark hits the streets]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[With eparktennis.com launching over Wimbledon 2009, we had clean advertising sprayed across the country to get people excited about this new way to find places to play and interact with other tennis fans. Below are some examples of how the adverts looked.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=10]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=10</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-07-09T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Rain Does not stop play]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Its not all just tennis in the parks. Robby and his team in Albert Park raised over £17,000 for Cancer Research with their Realy for life even though it rained for 12 hours over the weekend! Great work guys and good to see the smiles inspite of the weather.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=11]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=11</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-07-15T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Tennis for the Health of it]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[TENNIS &ndash; FOR THE HEALTH OF IT
34 reasons to play tennis: Health, fitness, fun make the sport an excellent choice
We&rsquo;ve all heard tennis referred to as the "sport for a lifetime." But, is this really true?
According to world-renowned scientists from a variety of disciplines, there is no doubt that tennis can improve your overall health, including your mental and physical fitness.
Here are the facts:

People      who participate in tennis three hours per week at a moderately vigorous      intensity cut in half their risk of death from any cause, according to the      late Dr. Ralph Paffenbarger, who was an internationally recognized      exercise authority and studied more than 10,000 people for 20 years. 
Tennis      players scored higher in vigour, optimism and self-esteem while scoring      lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety and tension than other      athletes and non athletes, according to Dr. Joan Finn and colleagues at      Southern Connecticut State University. 
Since      tennis requires alertness and tactical thinking, it may generate new      connections between nerves in the brain and promote a lifetime of      continuing development of the brain, reported scientists at the University      of Illinois. 
 Tennis      outperforms golf and most other sports in developing positive personality      characteristics, according to Dr. Jim Gavin, author of "The Exercise      Habit." 
Competitive      tennis burns more calories than aerobics or cycling, according to studies      in caloric expenditures. 

With these facts in mind, review the 34 specific reasons why you should consider playing regularly!
Why play tennis?
PHYSICAL REASONS TO PLAY TENNIS
Tennis enhances your:
1. aerobic      fitness by burning fat and improving your cardiovascular fitness and      maintaining higher energy levels. 2. anaerobic      fitness by offering short, intense bursts of activity during a point      followed by rest, which helps muscles use oxygen efficiently. 3. ability      to accelerate by providing practice in sprinting, jumping and lunging      quickly. 4. powerful      first step by requiring anticipation, quick reaction time and explosion      into action.  5. speed      through a series of side-to-side and up and back sprints to chase the      ball. 6. leg      strength through hundreds of starts and stops that build stronger leg      muscles.  7. general      body coordination since you have to move into position and then adjust      your upper body to hit the ball successfully.  8. gross      motor control through movement and ball-striking skills that require      control of your large muscle groups.  9. fine      motor control by use of touch shots like angled volleys, drop shots and      lobs.  10. agility      by forcing you to change direction as many as five times in 10 seconds      during a typical point.  11. dynamic      balance through hundreds of starts, stops, changes of direction and      hitting on the run.  12. cross-training      through a physically demanding sport that&rsquo;s fun for athletes who      specialize in other sports.  13. bone      strength and density by strengthening bones of young players and helping      prevent osteoporosis in older ones.  14. immune      system through its conditioning effects, which promote overall health,      fitness and resistance to disease.  15. nutritional      habits by eating appropriately before competition to enhance energy      production and after competition to practice proper recovery methods.  16. hand-eye      coordination because you constantly judge the timing between the oncoming      ball and the proper contact point.  17. flexibility      due to the constant stretching and manoeuvring to return the ball to your      opponent.
  
PSYCHOLOGICAL REASONS TO PLAY TENNIS
Tennis helps you:
18  develop a work ethic because improvement through lessons or practice reinforces the value of hard work.
19  develop discipline since you learn to work on your skills in practice and control the pace of play in competition.
20  manage mistakes by learning to play within your abilities, and realizing that managing and minimizing mistakes in tennis or life is critical.
21   learn to compete one-on-one because the ability to do battle on court trains you in the ups and downs of a competitive world.
22   accept responsibility by practicing skills and checking your equipment before a match, and by making accurate line calls during a match.
23   manage adversity by learning to adjust to the elements (e.g. wind, sun) and still be able to compete tenaciously.
24  control stress effectively because the physical, mental and emotional stress of tennis will force you to increase your capacity for dealing with stress.
25   learn how to recover by adapting to the stress of a point and the recovery period between points, which is similar to the stress and recovery cycles in life.
26  plan and implement strategies since you naturally learn how to anticipate your opponent&rsquo;s moves and plan your countermoves.
27  learn to solve problems since tennis is a sport based on angles, geometry and physics.
28   develop performance rituals before serving or returning to control your rhythm of play and deal with pressure. These skills can transfer to taking exams, conducting a meeting or making an important sales presentation.
29  learn sportsmanship since tennis teaches you to compete fairly with opponents.
30  learn to win graciously and lose with honour. Gloating after a win or making excuses after a loss doesn&rsquo;t work in tennis or in life.
31  learn teamwork since successful doubles play depends on you and your partner&rsquo;s ability to communicate and play as a cohesive unit.
32  develop social skills through interaction and communication before a match, while changing sides on the court and after play.
33  have fun &mdash; because the healthy feelings of enjoyment, competitiveness and physical challenge are inherent in the sport.
Summary and reason No. 34
Is it any wonder that scientists and physicians around the world view tennis as the most healthful activity in which you can participate? While other sports can provide excellent health benefits and some can promote mental and emotional growth, none can compete with tennis in delivering overall physical, mental and emotional gains to those who play.
All these benefits make tennis the ideal sport for kids to learn early in life. What parent wouldn&rsquo;t want their children to have these advantages through their growing years?
And, it&rsquo;s never too late for adults of all ages to take up the game. The human system can be trained and improved at any stage of life. The key is to start playing now to get the most out of these benefits throughout your lifetime.
And, that brings us to reason No. 34: Tennis is truly the sport for a lifetime! The proof is in the playing.
 
This article has been put together by Dr Jack Groppel and the USPTA with data collected from a group of world-renowned scientists from a variety of disciplines. ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=12]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=12</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-07-20T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Danson Park to host top tennis tournament]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[BEXLEY is to play host to a national tennis tournament.
Danson Park&rsquo;s grass courts will be the venue for this year&rsquo;s AEGON Summer County Cup.
Group seven of the doubles-only event will be played from Monday to Friday next week.
Eight counties from across England and Scotland &mdash; Bedfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, South of Scotland, Cumbria and Isle of Man &mdash; will be represented at the event.
Councillor Peter Catterall, Bexley cabinet member for leisure, arts and tourism, said: &ldquo;I am delighted to be welcoming this nationally recognised tournament to Bexley.
&ldquo;We can expect to see some exciting tennis on display and all free of charge.&rdquo;
Play at the park in Danson Road, Welling, will begin at no later than 10.30am each day.
Click here for more.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=13]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=13</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-07-21T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Caversham Park gets a pavillion]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Caversham parks new courts are being joined by a brand new pavillion, with building work racing ahead in the previously fine weather.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=14]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=14</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-07-29T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Albert park update]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Albert park update:They are running a diasabled group coming to the Pavilion over the summer, Action 4 Kids.They were involve in 'Relay for Life', with participants raising over £18,000 for Cancer Research. it was a 24 hour walk around the park on the 11th and 12th July.With the summer here, they have a tennis camp, teaching more than 60 kids daily.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=15]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=15</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-08-03T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[AEGON Coach of the Month]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Collen Mhlanga &ndash; Coach of the Month
Mhlanga is based at War Memorial Park in Coventry, one of the Tennis Foundation&rsquo;s Beacon sites. Among his multiple nominations for this Award, three of his peers submitted the following comments:
&ldquo;Collen&rsquo;s enthusiasm for community tennis and his willingness to engage with children and parents to promote the programme is a great example to other coaches, and his hard work is reaping rewards.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Collen is a fantastic individual who has developed his skills as a coach and mentor to his players and their parents. From nothing last year, he has worked hard to gain nearly 100 players within the programme at War Memorial Park. His retention is as good as his attraction and there is a fantastic vibe around the facility.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The Park is a great place for new players to learn tennis and it is a tribute to Collen that he has been able to grow the programme so successfully. He is always attending sessions at the university to educate himself on different teaching styles, coaching progressions and has also shown a keen interest in cardio tennis which he is now implementing at the Park.&rdquo;
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=16]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=16</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-08-03T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Nottingham tries wheelchair tennis]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
Nottingham city centre was the location for a wheelchair tennis try out. It is a lot easier to play than you might think and people had a great time.
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=17]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=17</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-08-04T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[World team cup]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Team GB had a great time at the World Team Cup in Nottingham and you can see the excitement!]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=18]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=18</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-08-12T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[TF newsletter]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The new Tennis Foundation newsletter is out: you can download it here: TF newsletterIt has photos from Anne Keothavong's early days, insight from Judy Murray and Cliff Richard and lots more exciting content about what the tennis foundation have been up to. Hope you enjoy it, the epark team.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=19]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=19</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-07-30T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Food for Sport]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Ever wondered what you should be eating before during and after a match to get you mentally and physically ready for your big match?
 If you have a personal trainer they would probably say &lsquo;load up on the carbs&rsquo; but to me that could mean lots of different things. According to the About.com: sports nutrition site, the right carbohydrates are the ones that the body finds easy to digest, such as pasta, fruit, bread, energy bars and fruit &ndash; any food that can get stored in the muscles as glycogen.
 However, from experience I do know that you shouldn&rsquo;t eat a big meal just before a match or competition as it won&rsquo;t reflect well on your performance.
 So, we have a suggested a food routine below that you should be considering before playing just to make sure you are all on tip-top shape for your matches.

Eat a solid meal 4 hours before you play, maybe a bowl of spaghetti bolognaise, baked potato or a bowl of cereal. 
2 to 3 hours before you play nibble on some fresh bagels or some onion and tomato bread. 
Make sure you stock up on energy drinks, Lucazade sport - orange being one of my favourites, and drink this hour before you play
  Also an hour before you play make sure you eat or drink lots of fresh fruit drinks
Before and during your match have an apple or nibble on some grapes. If you watch the big matched and all the professional players you will see that they pull out a banana in the game breaks, but only nibble on half like the professionals.

 Other foods you should consider:

Wholegrain bread
Cereal
Fruit &amp; vegetable
Moderate amount of milk, cheese and yoghurt
Lean meat
Fish
Poultry
Eggs
Nuts &amp; pulses

Just as important as fuelling your body with food for a match is drinking. It is very important to keep your body hydrated and not to just drink when you are thirsty. Remember to drink lots before you start your game, always have a drink to hand while you&rsquo;re playing and keep in drinking after the match&hellip;&hellip;
 You now have no excuses for your poor performances. Good luck!
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/foodforsport/sportnexercise/
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/Sport.aspx
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/sportsnutrition/a/EatForExercise.htm]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=20]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=20</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-08-18T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Who's on Facebook]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Epark are about to launch their Facebook group and having completed some initial Facebook research we found over 500 tennis groups on Facebook, including Roger Federer&rsquo;s fan page with photo&rsquo;s of his new twins girls&hellip;..ahhwww.
 Also Tim Henman has over 130 fan pages but we haven&rsquo;t yet found an Andre Aggassi fan page or a Stephi Graff group.
 You should check out Tim and Roger&rsquo;s pages and we will keep you updated when we find more&hellip;&hellip;
 
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=21]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=21</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-08-24T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Tim Henman and Sue Mappin on www.eparktennis.com]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Watch video footage of Tim Henman and Sue Mappin discuss eparktennis.com and the initiatives of the Tennis Foundation. Please note: these videos will be opened in a new window.
Tim Henman and Sue Mappin talk about the launch of www.eparktennis.com on Radio Wimbledon:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gKPIf4TDtM
Tim Henman talks about www.eparktennis.com:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUSznhCNVbg Sue Mappin on the Tennis Foundation and www.eparktennis.com:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv-BzF8qZOI]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=22]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=22</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-09-18T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Robbie wins ISPAL award]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Congratultions to Robbie on winning a prestigious ISPAL award. For his excellent community work.
 
NATIONAL AWARD FOR ALBERT ROAD RECREATION GROUND A POTENTIAL BEACON SITE FOR TENNIS.  Robby Sukhdeo from Pavilion Tennis has been awarded the Sports Development Officer of the Year for his work at the Albert Road Recreation Ground by the Istitute of Sports Parks and Leisure.  Robby won two awards at the Institute for Sport, Parks and Leisure Awards, he was also given an award for his achievements in the private sector.  Robby and the Friends of Albert Road, Haringey Council and the community have worked closely over recent years to transform facilities at the park, including turning a derelict building into a thriving community/tennis centre and providing improved sporting facilities and opportunities for local people. The orgainised sports taking place there now are football, tennis, basketball, aussie rules, cricket and netball. The Tennis Foundation has chosen the Albert Rec and White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre as a potential Beacon sites for tennis which has attracted a huge investmest to the borough for tennis.  Robby said: "It's a real honour to be given these awards, it's been a real team effort, having new tennis facilities will make the project fly even higher, the park is now a real treasure in the local community."  "If I can I achieve this in Haringey I am sure many more people can do the same in other parts of the country" Robbie]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=23]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=23</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-11-23T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Perfect week in the Telegraph]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Sylvia Roger talks about Albert Park in her perfect weekend artice for The Telegraph:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/my-perfect-weekend/6605520/My-Perfect-Weekend-Sharon-Small.html
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=24]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=24</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-11-28T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Haringey sport]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
The Pavilion Sports and Cafe was founded in 2003 by Robby Sukhdeo, with the support of Haringey Council and the Friends&rsquo; Group, Robby has created a popular community facility that has seen a large increase in visitors to the Green Flag-winning park. His aim with his team of coaches was turn a  rundown park facility into thriving tennis centre at the Albert Road Recreation Ground, they have been extremely successful in introducing thousands of children and adults to tennis. For their efforts the Tennis Foundation (TF) chose this popular Haringey park as the winner of its inaugural Park of the Year award in 2008. Haringey was also named one of five potential tennis hotspots in the country &ndash; and the only one in London - by the promote tennis among all sections of the community. The two sites chosen as &lsquo;Beacon sites&rsquo; in Haringey are the Pavilion and the White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre. The announcement will lead to substantial increases in funding and support for Haringey to try to attract more people to the game, with at £500,000 worth of funding being invested across the borough.
Robby and his team of five coaches have helped develop the tennis skills of hundreds of school pupils from across Haringey, along with adults looking to improve their game. Executive Director of the Tennis Foundation, Sue Mappin, who selected Albert Road Rec for the award, said: &ldquo;If I could, I would look to replicate what Robby&rsquo;s created at every local authority park in the country. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a great example of a park that used to suffer from anti-social behaviour being transformed into a fantastic community facility.&rdquo; The foundation promotes tennis in deprived areas and has designated Albert Road as one of dozens of &ldquo;beacon&rdquo; parks around the capital. These are courts that are being
revamped to get an extra million people playing tennis in the UK by 2013. Mr Sukhdeo, who grew up in Haringey, said Albert Road had been transformed from a no-go area to a place where everyone could enjoy themselves. He said: &ldquo;People felt intimidated and afraid, there were break-ins and kids getting mugged. I realised the way to deal with the problem was to engage kids.&rdquo; The scheme began six years ago when Mr Sukhdeo convinced the council to lease him the run-down sports pavilion. Now it is a successful café and work begins this autumn resurfacing the six courts and adding floodlighting.
Many of the youths Mr Sukhdeo has coached have now gone on to college or found work in the café. Sue Mappin, said: &ldquo;The aim is to get more people playing tennis for fun. It&rsquo;s not about identifying talent but about people having a hub where they can socialise and get healthy.&rdquo; Albert Road Recreation Ground is also home to a memorial for Oliver Tambo, South African anti apartheid politician and former president of the African National Congress who lived on Alexandra Park Road, during his years of exile. Mr Sukhdeo has come up with a brand new proposal to run a borough-wide football tournament in Haringey that will culminate at the same time as the FIFA World Cup Final in 2010.
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=25]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=25</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-12-07T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Fleming Park set for new tennis courts]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Four new outdoor tennis courts are set to be created at Eastleigh's Fleming Park Leisure Centre in Hampshire, as part of a scheme to increase participation in the sport among local residents. 
Construction work is expected to get underway in January 2010 on the project to establish the centre as a community tennis centre, which will double the number of existing tennis courts and also includes the addition of a clubhouse. 
Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC) and the Lawn Tennis Association are working in partnership with Fleming Park operator DC Leisure to jointly-fund the scheme, which is due for completion in spring 2010. 
Fleming Park's tennis programme is operated by Serving Tennis, a management company with dedicated centres in Totton and Southampton, as well as a number of satellite sites. 
Serving Tennis commercial and operations director, Richard Cutler, said: "Tennis is often regarded as an elitist sport and the culture of members only clubs can be a barrier to participation. Our aim is make tennis as accessible to as many people as possible." 
Centre manager Jo Parker added: "These additional courts will help us to meet the increasing demand for community tennis and allow even more people to enjoy the benefits of the sport."
 
This article is from ISPAL: see:http://www.ispal.org.uk/newsdetails.cfm?codeID=165163]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=26]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=26</guid>
	<dc:date>2009-12-17T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Shed those Christmas pounds and get fit for 2010]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[According to Jasper Gerad&rsquo;s article in the Telegraph Weekend supplement, a craze for post Christmas exercise is increasing and there are cricket teams, cycling teams and tennis teams springing up all over the UK.
If you&rsquo;re thinking about joining in to shed the Christmas belly and get fit for 2010 we have pulled together a list of the best indoor and outdoor courts to play on over the winter months so there is no excuse now!
In London you should visit:
Burgess Park Tennis Centre as it has seven outdoor floodlit tarmac courts all in good conditionPaddington Recreation Ground has 12 outdoor courts that are floodlit and has a clubhouse if you fancy a quick drink after a game Highbury Fields in Islington has 1 outdoor floodlit court Bourneside Lawn Tennis Club has 4 outdoor tarmac courts. The nearest tube station is Southgate Tube and they regularly hold tournaments that you can join Eltham Green has 6 outdoor courts and is a 10 minute walk from Eltham Rail Station, South of Greenwich Hillingdon, just west of London also has 8 outdoor courts which are floodlit
Bristol has three very good tennis sites, including:
Clifton Indoor Tennis Centre which has 4 indoor courts and 22 outdoor courts that are either grass or acrylic. You can also hire equipment from here and there are toilets available Coombe Dingle Sports Complex has 14 outdoor courts which are floodlit The City Academy Bristol has 4 outdoor courts which are floodlit and has a play for free option.
Tomorrow we shall post the top three courts in Birmingham and Cardiff so make sure you remember to check our epark blog.
epark
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=27]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-01-06T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Site recommendations to get fit for 2010]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Following on from our previous blog we have found three Birmingham Tennis Centres and three more Cardiff Tennis Centre that we recommend to help you burn off those Christmas pounds.
 Tennis is one of the most sociable sports played by all ages and all abilities so your guaranteed to find a partner to help improve your game through www.eparktennis.com
 Tennis Centres to visit in Birmingham:
 Billesley Indoor Tennis Centre &ndash; this is a Birmingham Local Authority facility which has 14 floodlit courts. Equipment is available to hire and there is a clubhouse if you fancy an after game drink.
 Edgbaston Priority Club - here you can enjoy tennis all year round but for a fee as it is a private members club. However, it has a bar / restaurant, squash facilities and a very friendly environment. They have a selection of court surfaces, such as clay and grass, and an extensive annual calender of tennis activities.
 Kings Heath Cricket and Sports Club &ndash; this is a well known and successful sports club in Kings Heath, Birmingham that has won the community club of the year award and has brilliant leisure facilities. There are three courts and tennis is available on weekday evenings from 6.00pm onwards and from 2.00pm on weekends. However, only two courts have floodlights which are metered and need topping up. If you&rsquo;re not a member you can play as a visitor.
Around Cardiff there are three clubs we recommend:
 Whitechurch Tennis Club - has seven all year weather court and three of these are floodlit. Tennis is available everyday from 9.00am to 9.45pm. Whitechurch welcome new members of all ages and abilities and has courts dedicated to coaching and social tennis.
 Newport Int. Sports Village - has both indoor and outdoor tennis surfaces which are in excellent condition for all ages and abilities. There are four permanent indoor courts and three floodlit outdoor courts.
Swansea Tennis Centre - has eight indoor and four floodlit outdoor courts which have extensive adult and junior programmes. There is also a club house to relax with a drink after games and tennis is available weekdays from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends.
Please do keep checking our epark blog for regular tennis site recommendations and please feel free to leave us a comment with your recommendations.
Epark
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=28]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-01-08T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Epark Tennis Sites]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[We are only half way through January and purses and trousers are still a little too tight so it&rsquo;s even more important for us to be active but not at any extra expense. We have been looking at the best courts around Bournemouth and Portsmouth so if you live near these areas then check our recommended list below.
 Tennis sites we recommend you visit in Bournemouth:
 Bournemouth Gardens Tennis Centre has 8 outdoor floodlit courts but also an excellent air-dome to play in during the winter months. Equipment hire is available and great changing facilities. Over the Christmas holiday they held a couple of tournaments and really encourage the younger generation to get involved in tennis competitions.
 At West Hants Club you can select your surfaces as they have 4 indoor and outdoor courts which you can play on all year round, whatever ability and age.  They offer a combination of individual and group coaching sessions and all coaches are LTA licensed.  The club has a very friendly environment with extensive social facilities.
 The top three Portsmouth Tennis sites:
 Portsmouth Indoor Tennis Centre provides high quality facilities to offer a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. They have 4 outdoor courts and lots of children&rsquo;s tennis parties.
The Priory Portsmouth has three indoor tennis courts constructed on a shock pad to reduce leg stress. The Priory Tennis site was established in 1992 as a school but is now known as a Sports College. It contains many high class sports facilities for groups and individual public use. Southsea Common Tennis Courts has 6 playdeck tennis courts and 3 hard courts. The playdeck courts now have floodlighting and are open for play all year round. The Tennis Club there has a strong membership base and plenty of regular players. They also offer coaching and organise tournaments each year.
Keep checking our blog for tennis updates!
 epark]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=29]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=29</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-01-14T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[London success for International tennis event]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[  
Will to Win held a very Successful International Tennis 2010 Final on Sunday 30 January at the Lawn Tennis Association. Over 300 kids from Dubai, London, New York and Dublin have battled it out and eight finalist (one boy and one girl from each) were flown in to the UK to take part.
London players Mallika Sood and George Davies won the international final of the Will to Win &ndash; Dubai Duty Free Community Junior Grand Prix last Sunday at the National Tennis Centre, as Andy Murray was battling against Federer in the Australian Open final.
 Roger Taylor, who started his tennis career in a British public park and went on to win a Grand Slam title pictured above with the 8 winners, presented the prizes.
 Over the past year 1 boy and 1 girl from each of the venues Dubai- London- New York and Ireland played junior events to gain a place in the International finals. The tournament&ndash; designed for those new to competitive tennis and from public / park venues aims to give players a great international experience via tennis.
 The tournament is planning to expand to other cities that have great public tennis venues to make it a truly worldwide event.
 Results for the 2009-10 event:
 BOYS 
1st - George Davies &ndash; London
2nd &ndash; Arjun Ajay Kumar- Dubai
3rd- Caleb Williamson &ndash; New York
4th &ndash; Joseph Murphy- Ireland
 GIRLS
1st- Mallika Sood- London
2nd- Rikeetha Periera
3rd &ndash; Sabrina Bragerton &ndash; Nasert
4th &ndash; Shauna Smith
 
This is the fourth year of the event, held in London at the 5 Will to Win public centres plus Wimbledon and is sponsored by Dubai Duty Free.
 The Lawn Tennis Association in London is fully supportive of the tournament that provides competitive opportunities for community tennis players, the use of community and park sites, which is vital for the growth of tennis and competition for juniors.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=30]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=30</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-02-03T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Epark Tennis - Backoffice]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[We are very happy to upload the first picture of the Beacon Plaque which has just been awarded to Wills to Win&rsquo;s Regent Park Tennis Centre.
As the Tennis Foundation move into 2010 their target is to select another 75 potential Beacon Sites to add to the 89 potential Beacon sites already registered.
The following sites have recently been awarded full Beacon status and will soon be presented with their Beacon Plaque:

Apetti Tennis Centre
Bournemouth Gardens Tennis Centre
Caversham Park
Chiswick Tennis Centre
Clissold Park
Hyde Park
Lammas Park
Oxstalls Indoor Tennis Centre
Regents Park
Totton &amp; Eling tennis Centre
War memorial Park
Writhington Sports Centre

To take part in the Tennis Foundation's parks tennis program and work towards Beacon status, please contact Anna Speddy on: anna@allabouttheidea.co.uk]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=31]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=31</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-02-03T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[The latest pictures of Caversham Park Tennis Centre]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The windows go in next week...]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=32]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=32</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-02-04T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Registration for London 2012 Open Weekend now open]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Open Weekend supported by BP is back for 2010London 2012 invites you to take part in Open Weekend 2010, on 23-25 July. Join us to celebrate two years to go until the Olympic and Paralympic Games!Last year over 470 organisations hosted 800 events across the UK; 90% of organisations surveyed said their event attracted new audiences.
http://www.london2012.com/videos/2009/open-weekend-2009.php Be part of Open Weekend in 2010 and celebrate with hundreds and thousands of people across the UK. This year we are inviting Local authorities, sporting and cultural organisations and venues across the UK to set a challenge for the public to participate in. The challenge could be to create a new piece of art in 24 hours, organise a treasure hunt or stage a mass aerobics session &ndash; it&rsquo;s entirely up to you.Who can be involved?London 2012 Open Weekend is open to organisations and venues from the world of culture and sport. We ask that your event:- Sets a challenge that the public can participate in - Takes place between 23-25 July 2010 - Is non-commercial and not-for-profit- Does not have any commercial sponsorship or offer any similar marketing rights - Is open to everyone
How to register your event To find out more about this fantastic weekend and to register an event visit
http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/open-weekend/
 Registration will close at 12 noon on 16 July 2010. 
WorkshopsWe will be holding workshops across the UK on how you can get involved in Open Weekend. Workshops will be held in:Birmingham &ndash; 25 February Leeds &ndash; 16 MarchBristol &ndash; 22 MarchSouthampton &ndash; 26 MarchLondon &ndash; 13 AprilTo book a place on one of the workshops or for any queries regarding Open Weekend please contact us at openweekend@london2012.com.
Best wishes,
The London 2012 Open Weekend teamhttp://www.london2012.com/get-involved/open-weekend/
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=33]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-02-16T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[News from MK Ace Tennis]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
Tennis success is something that Milton Keynes based charity, MK Ace Tennis, are experiencing on weekly basis. On Saturday 20th February, over 100 people gathered at the Ramada Encore Hotel to celebrate the successes of 2009 and award the players for their commitment and achievements. The evening was further enhanced with a very special visit from The Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Euan Henderson, who delighted in presenting the awards.
MK Ace Tennis was formerly known as The Community Tennis Club, a not-for-profit club which was started in 2002. In October 2009, the club changed its name and branding to widen its appeal and having applied to become a charity in December 2009, the club has recently been granted charitable status. MK Ace Tennis has 3 primary objectives; Personal Development, Facilities and Campaigning. Tennis has always been seen as an exclusive sport but MK Ace Tennis will make tennis affordable and accessible to all.
The night was hosted by MK Ace Tennis Chief Executive and Head Coach, John Cavill, who has been delivering tennis in Milton Keynes for the past 11 years. John opened the evening by firstly thanking all the sponsors which includes The Grove Independent School, Fit 2 Deliver, In-Zone.co.uk, Pitch, Tecnifibre, Ramada Encore Hotel, miltonkeynes.com, Virgin Active, Tennis Works and Cruise Decorating. These supporters make a huge difference to enabling MK Ace Tennis to deliver tennis and without their support, certain projects would not be possible.
Throughout 2009, MK Ace Tennis have taught over 1800 children in schools, 352 people in the weekly programme and over 800 children during the holiday camps. They currently operate the weekly programme and holiday camps from Shenley Brook End School, Woughton Leisure Centre, Hazeley School, Oakgrove School, Heronsgate School and Walton High. The charity also has a club link with Stony Stratford Tennis Club, where people who wish to join a club are encouraged to go. Stony Stratford Tennis Club is also where the performance players train and play. Another major event from 2009 included a visit from the former world number 5, Jo Durie, and her long standing coach, Alan Jones. The internationally experienced duo ran a master class for some of the performance players and gave some great feedback to the academy coaches and parents.
Towards the end of the presentation, all participants from the MK Ace Tennis programmes were presented a medal from the Mayor with special awards going to Tom Cunild (Under 10 Improver of the Year) and James Marchant (Under 14 Improver of the Year). Credit was also given to 17 year old Ryan Bond, who took the Contribution to Tennis award for his commitment to assisting in the programme and helping children develop. Winner of the Tennis Works Grand Slam Series, an all-year event that allows players to compete based on ability and not just age, went to Thomas Wilkes (Mini Tennis Orange) and William Roberts (Under 16 full court).
The MK Ace Tennis Player of the Year Cup and the Under 8 Improver of the Year Award went to a very talented individual who had an amazing 2009. 8 year old Lauren Armstrong took the title for her achievements which included winning the Mini Tennis Orange County Closed Tournament, winning 2 Indoor series events, representing the Region in a National Competition and winning all her matches and establishing her place as one of the top 10 players in the UK for her age group. Further to this, she has been invited as one of 16 players from across the UK to play in the Masters Event at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton in March.
At the end of the evening, John Cavill said, &ldquo;This evening has been great for everyone involved to share all the success from 2009. Every year I get to stand up and present good news, but this year has been especially special as MK Ace Tennis becomes a charity, as this will enable us to get even more people involved. I&rsquo;d like to congratulate all the players, especially Lauren, who is still very young but hopefully has an exciting journey ahead of her. Although the evening was about presenting awards to the players, you can never forget the parents, coaches, admin staff, trustees and sponsors who without, none of this would be possible. We are all looking forward to an even more successful 2010 and the fun that comes with it.&rdquo;]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=34]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-02-23T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Eastbourne Tennis club will be 'a hub in the community]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[On Friday 24th February Eastbourne newspaper, Eastbourne Today, featured the local tennis club&rsquo;s major refurbishment.
The building work, when finished in March, will include a clubhouse, four courts with new fencing and floodlights and a cafe.

 
It has been a labour of love for Gemma and Francis, who run Eastbourne Community Tennis and currently hold sessions at various locations in the town. "When we first took over the club we had a choice - we could have left it as a traditional clubhouse with a few chairs and a kettle, but instead we decided to go for it," said Gemma.
"Over the summer we gutted the building and transformed it into a fabulous cafe that offers everyone the opportunity to relax with a coffee, a snack and a newspaper while enjoying the tennis. However, our courts were still in a very bad condition and desperately needed refurbishing."
The tennis Clun was renamed Tennis in the Park this summer and is a partnership between Active Children Limited and Eastbourne Community Tennis. Because it will be run on a not for profit basis and will be open to non-members, it has attracted grant funding from the Tennis Foundation and the foundation is now in discussions with Tennis in the Park, the council and other local clubs about possibly making a major investment of up to £500,000 in the town's tennis infrastructure.
Tennis in the Park will be reopening in April and Gemma said, "We will be making tennis enjoyable, affordable and achievable for everybody. We are hoping the combination of our wonderful cafe, friendly staff and great facilities will create a hub for the community, where people of all ages come together not just to play tennis but also to relax and recharge.
Tennis in the Park will be opening with a free of charge Easter holiday camp for children and will offer everyone a free assessment.
 For further information please call 07837-890429 or email info@tennisinthepark.org
 For the full article please visit: http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/Tennis-club-will-be-39a.6099258.jp
 
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=35]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-03-01T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[The Powder Byrne Junior Tennis Trophy: entries close Friday 14 May 2010]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The Powder Byrne Junior Tennis Trophy: entries close Friday 14 May 2010
 The Powder Byrne Junior Tennis Trophy is a National Junior Singles Tournament Open to players of all standards and is an LTA approved Grade 3 rankings tournament.

The 2010 tournament will run from May - December 2010 and will feature Junior events for 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups as well as Men&rsquo;s &amp; Women&rsquo;s Open Singles, a Mixed Doubles event, as well as a Family Doubles event.
Early rounds will be played in local areas, with the finals held on November 28th at the LTA National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, London.
Higher ranked players will be seeded through to later stages and matches can be played on any courts i.e. clubs, schools, parks. Early entrants include Oliver Golding and Jazzi Plews.
To find out more or enter please visit: http://www.powderbyrne.com/tennis_tournament.php
More about the Tournament
 The Powder Byrne Junior Tennis Trophy has already created a lot of interest including an early entry from Britain&rsquo;s No. 1 Junior, Oliver Golding. Oliver won the U12 singles when Powder Byrne first ran the postal tournament back in 2004.
Possible prizes you could win:
 Dunlop racket contracts for all junior winners in each age category.
All senior winners will enter a prize draw for a fantastic luxury Powder
Byrne weekend for 2 at one of their stunning properties.
Additional prize money for Men&rsquo;s and Ladies&rsquo; Singles winners.
Dunlop product vouchers for finalists.
ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2010 AT 13:59]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=36]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=36</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-03-11T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Eel Brook Common raises money for Sport Relief]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Racquets and Red Noses

 On Saturday 20th March Eel Brook common coach, Fabrice, will be coaching tennis as per usual.
However, this time he&rsquo;s doing it for charity and is looking for local support to help raise funds for Sport Relief.
 Why not join Fabrice at midday on Saturday 20th. Bring your racquets and red noses and join in the fun.
 To find out more please contact Fabrice on: 07810838367 
 Or if you&rsquo;re a coach why not join in and run your own Sport Relief tennis session
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=37]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=37</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-03-17T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[New balls please, ATP scout London for ballkids]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Despite Team GB losing to Lithuania in the Davis Cup last weekend, tennis is still in the ascendancy in London, with the Barclays organising a series of trials to find "ball kids" for the ATP Masters finals at the O2 sponsored by Barclays. 

Over 1,600 children already applied to be ballkids, with the final trials held in west London in April, with former Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash one of the judges.
 
Please click to read the full article on The London Daily News: http://www.thelondondailynews.com/balls-please-scout-london-ballkids-p-3890.html]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=38]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=38</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-03-17T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Update from Southwark City Tennis Club]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Michael Mhangami wins a national level tournament
Michael Mhangami became Southwark City Tennis Club's first ever player to win a national level tournament as he collected the AEGON 9U Grand Prix Masters title at the weekend ahead of players from Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Middlesex, Surrey, the Midlands etc. 
 

To read more about please click the link to the LTA news site: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-03-15/AEGON-9U-Grand-Prix-Masters-Titles-Decided/
 Tom Ulicsak, Secretary at Southwark City Tennis Club, commented: &lsquo;Michael's Dad, Sam, deserves enormous credit for organising Michael's training and taking him to all the events over the last couple of years.  I am sure Sam would join me in wanting to thank you all for your support for Southwark City Tennis Club which has contributed to Michael's development.&rsquo;
 This is only the start of the great things from Michael and Southwark Tennis Club wish him the best of luck.
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=39]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=39</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-03-18T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Lammas Park in the Ealing Gazette]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The Ealing Gazette reports on the unveiling of Lammas Park&rsquo;s three new floodlit courts

Lammas Park recently unveiled their three new outdoor floodlit courts. The three new courts were the result of being awarded aid, in recognition of its affordable tennis programme, from the Tennis Foundation&rsquo;s Beacons scheme.
 Steve Riley, Centre Director, commented: To be awarded Beacon Status is brilliant news for the centre and the new floodlights mean that everyone can now play year round. It&rsquo;s great for the staff, coaches, players and local community.&rsquo;
 &ldquo;We want more people to come and experience the tennis courts for free. Kids can play for free between 3-5 pm from Monday to Friday.&rdquo;
 If you live in Ealing don&rsquo;t miss the opportunity to pick up your racquet and play for free every weekday afternoon.
 Congratulations to Lammas Park!  ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=40]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=40</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-03-19T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Glasgow Park achieves National recognition]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Queens Park is presented a Beacon PlaqueThe Tennis Foundation today announced that Queens Park, one of Glasgow&rsquo;s leading tennis park sites, has been awarded &lsquo;Beacon&rsquo; status in recognition of their high quality, affordable community tennis programmes.

The announcement was made as the park was presented with their prestigious beacon plaque by the Tennis Foundation.
Queens Park was selected by the Tennis Foundation for the accolade along with 34 other Beacon sites across the country. It is one of the first community sites to achieve the status, which recognises the best community-focused facilities, as part of AEGON Parks Tennis. 
 Sue Mappin, Executive Director of the Tennis Foundation, said: &lsquo;To become a &lsquo;Beacon&rsquo; site, all facilities must offer access to free tennis; plus quality, affordable coaching and regular competitions for all ages and abilities. 

AEGON Parks Tennis aims to increase community access to tennis in parks and communities nationwide. Led by the Tennis Foundation and supported by the LTA, AEGON Parks Tennis is a key programme in British tennis&rsquo; drive to increase participation and grow tennis at all levels. The long-term aim is to have one beacon site acting as a centre of community tennis excellence in each of the 442 local authorities in Britain.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=41]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=41</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-03-24T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[The Funding 4 Sport website has launched]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The Funding 4 Sport website has launched
 
Funding for sport has launched a new website www.funding4sport.co.uk which has been set up to provide a One Stop shop for ports Clubs, local authorities, governing bodies of sport,  University students and all those interested in sport.
The site has over 2,000 documents related to sport, play and physical activity that include; templates, forms, toolkits, policies, research, strategies and whole range of support materials that will help you develop your organisation.
More about Funding 4 Sport:
Funding 4 Sport is a consultancy specialising in sports, play and physical activity documentation and funding, providing a comprehensive service to support and assist public, private and voluntary sector organisations. We supply expert advice on the availability of funding in sport, play and physical activity by providing a friendly personal service that ensures your funding applications are carefully targeted and professionally presented.
This website is an extension of this consultancy service providing all you need to develop your organisation or find, write and receive funding to achieve your goals.
There is a minimal annual fee to access the site which is split into 3 areas of Sport, Play and Physical Activity. Within these areas are a number of sections that include;
Funding&bull; Sport&bull; Play&bull; Physical Activity&bull; Club Development&bull; Policies&bull; Business Development&bull; Consultation&bull; Marketing and Promotion&bull; Health and Fitness
Within these sections there are a number of sub-sections to ensure you find what you need, and if you don't then contact us and we'll do our very best to find this for you. Check out the new Funding 4 Sport website here: www.funding4sport.co.uk]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=42]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-03-31T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Four new tennis courts to open in Enfield]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[This is Local London reported recently on four new tennis courts opening in Enfield next month to encourage adults to play tennis and get fit.
The Local Tennis Leagues, part of Enfield Council's "Everybody Active" programme, will be based in Albany Park, Broomfield Park Bush Hill Park and the courts off Church Street, and will comprise mixed singles for men and women.

Players who sign up will be organised into groups of around seven, who will arrange mutually convenient times to play over an eight-week period.
Entry costs £10, and players who complete three matches before the halfway point are posted a free tube of tennis balls.
The winner of each group receives £20 and a winner&rsquo;s certificate.
The four Everybody Active leagues will run from Monday, April 19, to Sunday, June 13, and the deadline to join is April 12.
Players who are interested in taking part in the new leagues should visit www.localtennisleagues.com and follow the link to their choice of league.
Alternatively, they can email the organisers at localtennisleagues@googlemail.com.
To read the full article please visit This is Local London: http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/whereilive/northwest/enfield/5086683.Adults_encouraged_to_get_fit_in_new_Enfield_tennis_leagues/
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=43]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-12T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Free tennis will be offered on revamped Fulham Courts]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Dilapidated tennis courts in Fulham will be revamped to create a new 'centre of excellence' for the sport, with some residents allowed to play for free.

The 15 courts currently at Bishops Park host the vast majority of tennis bookings at public sites &ndash; some 70 per cent in 2008/09 &ndash; but have fallen into a state of disrepair, prompting fears for the welfare of players.
A report to Hammersmith and Fulham Council this week said the courts present heath and safety concerns due to uneven surfaces, overgrown tree roots and poor site security, and do not conform to Lawn Tennis Association standards for size and layout.
It reveals a £340,000 plan to refurbish the site to provide 12 new full-size adult courts and four junior courts, with some sections floodlit so the centre can open till 8pm in winter instead of having to close at 4pm.
Half the cash for the project will come from the council's parks budget and £150,000 will come from the Tennis Foundation charity, which will insist on a certain level of free tennis as part of the grant. Certain off-peak time slots are likely to be given over to free sessions.
Alex Lewis, community tennis development coordinator at the Tennis Foundation, said the project was part of a country-wide effort by the organisation to improve public facilities and encourage more people to take up the sport.
He said: "In some places the courts just aren't up to scratch and aren't safe to play on. We're providing a little bit of money so people are able to play on those courts.
"We're working with local facilities to produce a programme that offers fun, affordable tennis, and there has to be an element of free tennis at each of those sites.
"We want to be able to offer free tennis because we understand how difficult it can be for someone to dip into their pocket when maybe they have never played tennis before."
A further £20,000 will come from the exclusive Queen's Club in West Kensington.
It is thought the revamped facilities will bring the council extra £20,000 per year in booking fees.
Work will start in the summer and half the courts should be finished in time for the winter season, with the rest following in December.
 To read the full article in the Fulham Chronicle click here: http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-and-hammersmith-news/local-fulham-and-hammersmith-news/2010/03/30/free-tennis-will-be-offered-on-revamped-fulham-courts-82029-26140648/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=44]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-14T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Serving up some tennis excellence]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 

CLEATOR Moor is looking forward to the opening of a new Community Tennis Centre, based at Copeland Bowls &amp; Sports Centre thanks to joint funding from Copeland Borough Council and North Country Leisure Copeland, the charity which manages the site.
Let&rsquo;s play: Cleator Moor is looking forward to a new Community Tennis Centre, based at Copeland Bowls &amp; Sports Centre
The three-court centre will be on offer to everyone in the local area, with a coach available for six hours a week until September.
An Open Day will take place on Saturday, April 24, from noon until 3pm where attendees can take part in free coaching sessions, mini competitions and free play during the afternoon. Everyone is welcome to go along and join in the fun, which includes a variety of activities as well as an opportunity to try your hand at netball sessions coordinated by a representative from England Netball. Information and advice on fitness will also be available from the Moor Active team.
Weekly tennis sessions will begin on Wednesday, April 28, running every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday throughout the summer. The timetable will run as follows:
To enjoy a free complimentary coaching session, complete your details on the advert below or fill in a voucher at the open day and show at reception when booking your session. For more information call the centre: 01946 815100.
For the full article please click here: http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk/home/serving-up-some-tennis-excellence-1.695681]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=45]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-15T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[AEGON Team Tennis 2010 Gets Underway]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 

AEGON Team Tennis, the singles based team competition for clubs, serves up its first round of fixtures this weekend.
On the eve of a new season anticipation is high as club teams from all parts of the country, at all ages and standards prepare for a competitive league season and aim to top their league table.
The 2010 AEGON Team Tennis season runs over a 10 week period between April and June. Teams play singles and doubles matches, either home at their club or away at their rivals. The competition is a great opportunity for mini-tennis players, junior players, club players and top class players to gain experience and compete in a team environment.
This season sees the Open age group (adult) competing in a revamped structure with the top 32 teams competing in the National Tier; 64 teams in the Regional Tier and each County organising leagues at the County Tier.
It is a promotion and relegation for the Open teams and the structure provides clubs with a clear pathway to the top. The National Tier teams have the opportunity to compete for prize money and the prospect of qualifying for the Finals held in July.
This year sees approximately 950 affiliated clubs and 5000 teams competing. 16 of the top 25 ranked British men and 9 of the top 25 British women are set to take part.
Please click here for full article: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-04-12/AEGON-Team-Tennis-2010-Gets-Underway/
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=46]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-16T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Tennis Charity Serves Up Free Tennis Coaching In Ipswich]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Ipswich Sports Partnership Serves An Ace With Two Year Free Tennis Coaching Programme, A First For Suffolk. Charity "Tennis For Free" Opens Another Free Tennis Programme In Ipswich.
Charity &lsquo;Tennis For Free&rsquo; has served up an ace for Ipswich by investing in a two year free coaching programme at the county town&rsquo;s Christchurch Park courts.  
The charity has joined the strategic partnership between Team Ipswich and Ipswich Sport Club to help provide free tennis coaching across Ipswich and Suffolk starting Saturday 17th April between 1-3pm, and for the next two years, as part of its &lsquo;Tennis In The Park&rsquo; programme. Tennis For Free is a registered charity founded by comedian Tony Hawks.  It aims to provide to create healthy, vibrant tennis communities on FREE public park tennis courts creating new tennis players of all ages and backgrounds, and showing that tennis can be enjoyed by all. Professional tennis coaches from Ipswich Sports Club will be on hand to teach the budding tennis players and manage the Saturday afternoon&rsquo;s at Christchurch Park, as part of their involvement in the whole scheme. Tennis For Free&rsquo;s (TFF) Coaching Programme &ndash; in selected parks throughout the country - is a new community initiative creating a partnership between the local council, local LTA and the tennis clubs surrounding each particular park.  The Ipswich Free Coaching Programme is the first of its kind in the UK - a two year (100 weeks, 50 weeks per year) initiative for those who want to &lsquo;have a go&rsquo;.  If it&rsquo;s your first time and you don&rsquo;t have a racket, TFF will lend you one, free of charge for the session. Paul Jessop, CEO of Tennis For Free said: &ldquo;We&rsquo;re very excited about this launch.  It&rsquo;s the first of our new model partnering with a local sports club and local authority to provide the free tennis coaching.  I&rsquo;m very grateful to Ipswich Sports Club and Team Ipswich for joining with us and hopefully creating thousands of new tennis players in the area.  Who knows, we could find another Elena Baltacha!&rdquo; Paul Sheldrake of Ipswich Sports Club said: &ldquo;This is the final piece in our &lsquo;tennis jigsaw&rsquo;.  Not only can we guarantee the people of Ipswich have the use two free courts, seven days a week at Christchurch Park but we now we have the infrastructure to provide a structured coaching programme for those who want to make tennis one of &lsquo;their sports&rsquo;.  I&rsquo;m particularly delighted that Ipswich Sports Club is providing this coaching programme and I hope Tennis For Free&rsquo;s involvement will generate more interest in tennis from people in the area.&rdquo; Richard Wilson, Chair of the Friends of Christchurch Park, added: &ldquo;We are delighted with the Council's continuing commitment to free tennis for all in Christchurch Park, and very pleased that this is now combined with opportunities for expert coaching.  Beginners and more experienced players can now enjoy and develop their game in the wonderful surroundings of the Park, and increased investment in the courts can only mean better facilities in the longer term.  We hope that as many people as possible will make the most of this opportunity." As part of its commitment to free parks tennis, TFF also employs a team of researchers to continually update the list of UK public park tennis courts available for free.  Their website www.tennisforfree.com enables the public to find their nearest free courts, allowing them to just turn up and enjoy a game of tennis. For more information and to sign up for the Christchurch Park, Ipswich Free Coaching programme visit www.ipswichparktennis.co.uk  and following the instructions.  For further information on Tennis For Free visit: www.tennisforfree.com.
 
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=47]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-16T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Eastbourne Today praises Francis and Gemma Mackie]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Driving force behind project


I am a close neighbour of Gildredge Park and pass through it on a daily basis on my way to and from work.
Having observed over the last nine months how the Eastbourne Community Tennis (ECT) facility has breathed new life back into what had become a festering and forgotten corner of the park I thought it was high time we gave credit to those responsible.Both Francis and Gemma Mackie have been the driving force for this project, securing LTA funding for the recent redevelopment which now provides a superb facility and social hub for the whole community.Eastbourne Borough Council should also be given due credit for their ongoing support. However the council cannot sit on its laurels until it addresses the need for additional parking which this type of attraction places on the immediate neighbourhood. The council should now consider providing a dedicated parking area adjacent to the club house for users of the ECT Tennis In The Park facility.Such temporary, even seasonal, parking would not have to be detrimental to the park as a 'grassed' vehicle accessible surface could be readily produced.
Click here to see full article: http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/letters/Driving-force-behind-project.6231987.jp]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=48]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-19T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[600 CHILDREN PLAY FOR FREE]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[600 children play tennis for free at Eastbourne&rsquo;s newest tennis club
 Tennis in the Park, Eastbourne&rsquo;s newest tennis club in Gildredge Park, celebrated the opening of it&rsquo;s refurbished courts with a free Easter Camp. Children from local schools filled over 600 places and enjoyed a fantastic tennis experience.
 Francis Mackie, Tennis in the Park&rsquo;s head coach said &ldquo;We cannot believe the response, it was brilliant. The free of charge coaching allowed lots of young players to have a go for the first time. They had lots of fun and many now want to play on a regular basis.&rdquo;
 Tennis in the Park self-funded the event at a cost of over £2000 but will now be running it on an annual basis. &ldquo;Clubs need to take more responsibility for developing the game and unearthing new talent. Our event shows that people love the game and want to play. We need to stop moaning about the lack of top British players, take action and invest in the future of our sport.&rdquo;Tennis in the Park offers programs for adults as well as children and offers any adult who is interested in play-ing a free individual session with one of its coaches. The club, run on a not for profit basis, has brand new floodlit courts and a café with a children&rsquo;s area. It is open to all the public not just members.
 To find out more visit www.tennisinthepark.org or call 07837-890429.
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=49]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-20T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Green tennis ideas for Earth Week]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Its Earth Week this week and we came across this interesting blog post, on the examiner.com, that lists 5 ideas to make your tennis game more earth-friendly!
 
1. Bicycle or walk to your next tennis match.  This is a great way to warm up and cool down while cutting down on driving.
2. Carpool to your tennis practice or match.  It's easy to carpool with your partner, plus you can discuss strategy on the way to the match and dissect the match when it is over and you are on the way home. 
3. Recycle your old tennis shoes.  Eco Cycle (www.ecocycle.org) uses shoes in two ways.  Worn out shoes are recycled into material used to resurface athletic fields, tracks and playgrounds.  Wearable shoes are donated for reuse. 
 4. Donate your old tennis rackets. 
5. Donate your old tennis balls.  Your dog can only use so many tennis balls!  Hundreds of millions of tennis balls are manufactured world-wide each year.  If all of these balls end up in landfills, they will generate 20,000 tons of waste. 
Read the full post at: http://www.examiner.com/x-41207-Boulder-Tennis-Examiner~y2010m4d20-Green-tennis-ideas-for-Earth-Day]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=50]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-22T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Recently published article in the Hampstead & Highgate Express]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Regent's Park a Beacon for new players
A REGENT'S Park tennis centre has been recognised by the Tennis Foundation as a provider of high quality, affordable community tennis programmes. The Will to Win Tennis Centre in Regent's Park was awarded Beacon status, which identifies the best community tennis programmes currently run throughout the country. Award winning sites must offer access to free tennis, affordable coaching and regular competitions for players of all ages. Sue Mappin, executive director of the Tennis Foundation, said: "We are delighted to award Regent's Park and Hyde Park Beacon status to recognise the excellent work they are already doing with their well established community and schools' programme." Steve Riley, director of Will to Win Tennis, said: "Achieving Beacon status confirms our position as an organisation that delivers fun, affordable, year-round tennis, getting more players playing tennis better.
To read the article click here: http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/camden/hamhigh/sport/story.aspx?brand=NorthLondon24&amp;category=SportTennis&amp;tBrand=northlondon24&amp;tCategory=sport&amp;itemid=WeED21%20Apr%202010%2015%3A30%3A26%3A753
 
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	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=51]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-23T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Shorey & Okaka's Surprise Visit]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 
Fulham Football Club players Nicky Shorey and Stefano Okaka surprised members of the Fulham FC Foundation&rsquo;s Down&rsquo;s Syndrome Tennis team yesterday, by joining them, along with Anne Keothavong, British Women&rsquo;s number 3, whilst they trained at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Roehampton, Surrey.The players, taking part in the Premier League Places for Players initiative, took time out from their evening to assist Fulham FC Foundation and Tennis Foundation staff in coaching the session which has been running at the Surrey centre for the past fortnight.The Down&rsquo;s Syndrome Tennis project, the first of its kind nationally, began in January of this year, following the success of Fulham Football Club Foundation&rsquo;s Down&rsquo;s Syndrome Football team &ndash; the Fulham Badgers &ndash; which was set up in 2006 with the help of the DSA (Down&rsquo;s Syndrome Association).Each Tennis session runs from 6.30pm &ndash; 7.30pm on a Tuesday evening and is open to anyone with Down&rsquo;s syndrome that is between the age of 10 and 25. The scheme encourages any siblings that come to the NTC as spectators to join in the activity too.Formed as part of the &lsquo;Positive Minds&rsquo; project run by the Fulham FC Foundation, the scheme works in partnership with the Tennis Foundation and forms a vital element in the DSA&rsquo;s DSActive campaign to encourage those with Down&rsquo;s syndrome to become more involved in sport.Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/DSShowcaseEvent.aspx
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=52]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-26T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Tennis is not expensive. At least not in Hornchurch where it is now FREE!!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 
Hylands Community Amateur Sports Club recently celebrated receiving the prestigious Beacon Status for best practice from the Tennis Foundation. Not content with this achievement, the Hornchurch based tennis club, aims to punch above its weight by joining forces with a local Civic Society, the Hylands Park Action Group (HPAG), in Hylands Park and by supplying its own young tennis leaders to the newly launched Youth Park Club Ambassador initiative.
 Club Administrator Giorgio Bugnatelli said: &ldquo;We have been liaising with the HPAG since its inception five years ago and when we heard of their intention to involve young people in volunteering, it seemed logical that we should support this initiative.&rdquo;
HPAG&rsquo;s Hon. Secretary, Audrey Francis, said: &ldquo;We are delighted to be associated with the tennis club in Hylands Park. We have received constant support from their Committee and we are delighted knowing that the young people involved with this initiative are thoroughly trained by this very pro-active and exemplary Club-Mark accredited facility.
The Youth Park Club Ambassadors will man the tennis courts during the week after school and for the Sunday Family Fun play when the courts will be made available free of charge to the local community. They will volunteer one hour of their time and be paid for the second hour.
They will also promote not only free tennis but other activities in the park while collating useful information from all park users through the use of questionnaires as part of our local consultation exercise.&rdquo;
Club Administrator Giorgio Bugnatelli said: &ldquo;Most of the general press we read about young people seems to depict them in a negative manner. We beg to differ and we are very determined to invest in our young tennis leaders. Each member of our young team is trained in all four modules of the LTA Tennis Leader Awards, including Planning, Communication and Organisation. Once their training is completed, they also commit an agreed number of hours to volunteering. This allows us to offer some Free tennis at Hylands Park on Sunday afternoons&rdquo;
For more information about Hylands CASC please visit: www.hylandstennis.co.uk
For more information about HPAG please visit: www.hylandspark.co.uk
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=53]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-26T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Bitts Park Tennis Focus: an update from Bitts Park…….]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ Free Friday TennisSo far this year we have offered free schools tennis to feeder primary schools in the Richard Rose Central Academy, Richard Rose Morton Academy and Caldew clusters. Over 120 children have taken up this opportunity and many of these have signed up to our junior programme as a result.Holiday camp update
This Easter saw the return of our &lsquo;Go4it&rsquo; holiday tennis camps. We had various taster sessions at our Bitts Park airdome and we hope to see new members signing up soon. We will be holding more fun filled camps in the summer holidays.
 Competitions update
Since our last newsletter, we have been delivering competitions at Bitts Park during the October and February half terms. Each competition attracted around 50 players from around the county. Many of the Bitts Park players entered and did very well.
This summer we have the Bitts Park Open from 3 to 6 June 2010 and the Bitts park Junior Open event w/c 26 July 2010.
 Wheelchair Tennis update
Following our successful taster session we are pleased to say that we have started a new wheelchair tennis session at Bitts Park in partnership with Carlisle Wheelchair Sports Cub. We successfully applied for five wheelchairs through the Lord Taverners charity and we are now using these to deliver our wheelchair tennis session for adults and children every Monday at Bitts Park from 7pm - 8pm. Image below Courtesy of Cumbrian Newspapers.
 The Tennis Foundation - Beacon Status
As part of The Tennis Foundation&rsquo;s goal of &rsquo;One Game all&rsquo; to get players of all ages and abilities to take up and enjoy playing tennis, we are pleased to announce that the programme we run at Bitts Park has now officially been awarded &lsquo;Beacon Status&rsquo; by the Tennis Foundation. We are the only site in the North West to achieve this and have been included in the first 25 named sites in the country. This is obviously great for tennis development in Carlisle as it opens up opportunities for more funding and support. We have also been given new windbreaks as a result of this and £500 towards running a family day event. We continue to work with the Tennis Foundation to improve the site and the service we provide.
Contact and more information&hellip;
Paul FramptonSports Development OfficerCommunity EngagementSport &amp; RecreationCarlisle City CouncilTel: 01228 817581Email: paulf@carlisle.gov.uk]]></description>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-27T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Birmingham City footballer supports AEGON Schools Programme]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Mitchell McPike, the Birmingham City FC player, joined pupils at Moseley C of E primary school in Birmingham yesterday to check out the changes in tennis which are taking the nation&rsquo;s youngsters by storm.
The Tennis Foundation (TF), supported by the LTA, has been implementing a new AEGON Schools Tennis strategy to increase children&rsquo;s access to tennis and the midfielder was on hand to see the new style tennis delivery in action.
18-year-old McPike experienced firsthand just what an impact the initiative is having in Birmingham. He said:
"It was great to go to the school and meet so many youngsters who are so mad about sport &ndash; both football and tennis. It&rsquo;s really pleasing that the majority of the boys and girls that we met are so keen on both participating in and watching sport."
AEGON Schools Tennis provides a range of resources for schools, including an innovative coach-led DVD. The new tools are designed to give teachers everything they need to offer tennis, and to challenge old-fashioned views of the sport. They demonstrate how tennis can be taught in small areas to large groups, whether in the playground or the school hall.
Tennis is the only sport to have developed such an interactive child-facing DVD resource,
To find out more please click here: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-04-26/Birmingham-Citys-Footballer-supports-AEGON-Schools-Programme/
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=55]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-28T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Former Champions head field in National Deaf Tennis Championships]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Former champions Peter Willcox, Daniel Tunstall and Sidney Falconer head the entries for the men's singles at the 2010 National Deaf Tennis Championships.
 
The tournament takes place at Gosling International High Performance Centre at Welwyn Garden City over the Bank Holiday Weekend of Saturday 1st May to Monday 3rd May.
Willcox, 29, an LTA Licensed coach form Surrey, bids to become National Champion for a ninth time this year, while Tunstall and Falconer, who have won a further six national men&rsquo;s singles titles between them, should provide his strongest opposition alongside some talented up-and-coming young players.
Wiltshire-based coach Tunstall, the brother of award-winning singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, will aim to add to the two National singles titles he won at the end of the 1990s, having reached the final on several occasions since then while also winning a string of National doubles titles.
Meanwhile, four-time National champion Falconer, from Dorset, returns to Hertfordshire this week, 19 years after representing Great Britain in the 1991 Dresse Cup, the Davis Cup of deaf tennis, which took place in Hatfield.
While Tunstall, Falconer and Willcox are three of the most experienced players in the men&rsquo;s singles, up-and-coming players Jamie King, Shaun O&rsquo;Brien and Max Thorne will all bid to make a name for themselves against their more illustrious opposition, having each won the British Deaf Tennis Association&rsquo;s Most Promising Player Award in recent seasons. Eighteen-year-old Thorne, from Dunstable, Bedfordshire, provides the main local interest. 
The 2010 National Deaf Tennis Championships is supported by the Tennis Foundation, Babolat and Highland Spring. 
Read full article here: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-04-26/FORMER-CHAMPIONS-HEAD-FIELD-AS-NATIONAL-DEAF-TENNIS-CHAMPIONSHIPS-LANDS-IN-WELWYN/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=56]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-04-29T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Two British Traditions: Windsor Castle and Wimbledon make ideal daytrips from London]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Article from www.examiner.com
 
While there is more than enough to keep any traveler busy in London, sometimes a short trip out of the city is a welcome respite. If you&rsquo;re looking for a quick jaunt highlighting English history and traditions consider checking out Windsor Castle and Wimbledon.Windsor CastleLocated about a 40-minute train ride from London&rsquo;s Paddington station, Windsor Castle is the world&rsquo;s oldest and largest occupied castle. Thirty-nine monarchs have called Windsor home since it was built by William the Conquer in the 11th century. Queen Elizabeth II often spends her weekends here and was in fact in residence during my visit (her flag, The Royal Standard, flies proudly over the Castle when she is here).The castle sits on 26-acres and sports 951 rooms. The basic footprint of the castle has remained unchanged despite additions and upgrades (from a wood structure to a stone one). The predominate architectural style is Gothic.WimbledonAsk any tennis player and you&rsquo;ll quickly learn that Wimbledon is the pinnacle of the sport. No matter that no one plays on grass anymore, win here and you&rsquo;ve achieved tennis immortality.A pilgrimage to Wimbledon is a must-do for anyone who loves the game, and since its just a ride on the tube (take the Southfield, not the Wimbledon station) its easy to do from London.During the two weeks of the tournament, the worlds sporting eyes are tuned to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, but during the rest of the year, the grounds of the private club are quiet. However, tours of the grounds and the museum are available.The Wimbledon grounds are still undergoing renovation, with a new Court Three and Four under construction.Reservations are strongly recommended for all tours.
Read the full article from Examiner here: http://www.examiner.com/x-2216-Global-Travel-Examiner~y2010m5d4-Two-British-Traditions-Windsor-Castle-and-Wimbledon-make-ideal-daytrips-from-London]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=57]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=57</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-05-04T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Great Britain select youth and experience for 2010 Invacare World Cup]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 
The Tennis Foundation has opted for a mixture and experience to represent Great Britain in the 2010 Invacare World Team Cup in Antalya, Turkey, from 3-9 May 2010.
 Twelve wheelchair tennis players have been selected to represent Great Britain, including: Nottinghamshire&rsquo;s David Phillipson, Scotland&rsquo;s Gordon Reid and Middlesex&rsquo;s Marc McCarroll.
 They were all part of the same Great Britain&rsquo;s Men&rsquo;s squad that finished fifth last year at the 2009 Invacare World Team Cup in Nottingham, which proved to be the best British performance across all competitions in the event&rsquo;s 25 year history,
 &lsquo;This is the version of the Davis Cup and Fed Cup,&rsquo; said current British Number 3, McCarroll. It&rsquo;s a big focus for us and I&rsquo;m really looking forward  to it after making my debut on home soil last year. It was a very successful first experience of playing in the event and hopefully we can perform just as well this year, if not better.&rsquo;
 Phillipson, Reid, and McCarroll are all ranked inside the world&rsquo;s 30.
 Full article: http://www.paralympics.org.uk/show_news.asp?itemid=3218&amp;itemTitle=Great+Britain+select+youth+and+experience+for+2010+Invacare+World+Cup§ion=000100010006§ionTitle=News]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=58]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=58</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-05-05T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Willcox seals ninth title at National Deaf Tennis Champs]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The finals of the 2010 National Deaf Tennis Championships took place at the Gosling Tennis International High Performance Centre in Welwyn over the Bank Holiday weekend with a total of six finals taking place.
The six finals included the Men&rsquo;s Singles Final between eight time champion Peter Willcox and twice former winner Daniel Tunstall, and the Men&rsquo;s Doubles Final between Willcox &amp; Falconer and Tunstall and Jamie King.
The Women&rsquo;s Doubles Final was a family affair with mother Fiona and daughter Bethany going head to head, partnering Sophie Paul and Maisy Gibbs respectively.
Fourth seed Jamie King took on top seed Peter Willcox in the first of the Men&rsquo;s Singles semi-finals, with Willcox coming out on top 6-1, 7-5. Hampshire&rsquo;s King battled hard but the eight time champion Willcox just had too much for King.
In the other semi-final Sidney Falconer, champion in 1988, 89 and 91, lost out to Dan Tunstall, champion in 1997 and 98, 7-6 (7-3), 6-0. Falconer forced the tie break in the first set but after a controversial net call lost his focus and the break went to Tunstall. In the second set Falconer&rsquo;s head went down and he lost the set to love.
Wiltshire&rsquo;s Tunstall, brother of the pop singer KT Tunstall, then faced Surrey&rsquo;s Willcox in the Men&rsquo;s Singles Final. In a very tight opening set Tunstall was poised at 5-4 up with the service game for the set but Willcox broke to take the match to five games all.
Both players then held serve to take the first set to a tie break. In the tense exchange the advantage changed several times before Willcox closed out at 9-7. In the second set Willcox stepped up a gear and powered to a 6-0 win to take his ninth Championships title.
Full article: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-05-03/Willcox-seals-ninth-title-at-National-Deaf-Tennis-Champs/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=59]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=59</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-05-06T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[AEGON Award Winners for April Announced]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 
The AEGON Awards for April have been presented to Anna Smith, Katy Dunne and Kathryn Charles. The monthly Awards are given out in three separate categories: Player, Junior Player and Coach
Anna Smith has won the AEGON Player of the Month award for April.
In the last month the British No. 7 has reached a career high ranking of 266 in the world due to two excellent runs in separate tournaments on the ITF women's circuit.
At the $25k AEGON Pro-Series in Jersey, she finished runner-up, having come through six rounds and reached the final without dropping a set.
In her following tournament, her form continued as she stepped up to $50k at the ITF event in Torhout, Belgium.
After winning three matches in the qualifying she reached the main draw, again without dropping a set, and went on to reach the quarter-finals before falling to Rebecca Marino.
She is now hoping for a good clay court season and an even more successful grass court season in her home tournaments such as Wimbledon.
Full article: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-05-03/AEGON-Award-Winners-for-April-Announced/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=60]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=60</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-05-07T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[This Week in British Tennis, Friday 7th May]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
Alex Slabinksy has reached the final of the $10k AEGON Pro-Series in Edinburgh.
The British No. 18 defeated the eighth seeded French player Jonathan Eysseric 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, in the semi-final.
The unseeded Slabinksy was undeterred by losing the first set and also by the knowledge that he was being watched by the new AEGON GB Captain Leon Smith.
Afterwards he commented: "Every match on clay is a difficult one, you are going to have long rallies out there, you are going to have to work really hard, and today wasn&rsquo;t any different.
"I had to dig deep when I lost the first set.  I knew I was going to have a battle on my hands and I was happy to get through in the end as he is a good player.&rdquo;
In the final, scheduled for tomorrow, the Briton will play another Frenchman in the form of Mathieu Rodrigues, the sixth seed.
On his opponent in the final, Slabinsky added, "I&rsquo;ve played him before in Sweden, in the semi finals of an event like this, and I beat him in three sets. He is the fourth seed, so he knows how to play. I&rsquo;ll have to do the same as I did today if I am going to win."
The men&rsquo;s doubles final also had British interest as it featured Marcus Willis. The world No. 570 teamed up with Ireland&rsquo;s Barry King but fell 6-3, 6-3 to the Irish pairing of James Cluskey and Colin O&rsquo;Brien.
In the women&rsquo;s event British hopes rest with Doncaster&rsquo;s Tara Moore after the 17-year-old eighth seed, knocked out Germany&rsquo;s Bianca Koch in three sets, 4-6 7-6(5) 7-5, in a closely fought battle.
Moore now faces France&rsquo;s fifth seed Alize Lim in the semi-final, with Jana Jandova of the Czech Republic facing Timea Babos of Hungary, in the other match.
In the women&rsquo;s doubles there is guaranteed British success after Amanda Elliott and Jocelyn Rae have reached the final. The No. 1 seeds beat fourth seeds Cohen (FRA) and Marcinkevica (LAT) in a comprehensive 6-1, 6-4 victory.
Their opponents are Moore again, with her Hungarian partner Babos, after they defeated Mhairi Brown and Samantha Vickers 6-2, 7-5 in the other semi-final.

Full article: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-05-03/This-Week-in-British-Tennis-Friday-7th-May/
 ]]></description>
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	<dc:date>2010-05-10T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Great Britain men finish fourth at Invacare World Team Cup]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 
Great Britain's men's wheelchair tennis team of Marc McCarroll, David Phillipson and Gordon Reid have joined the women's and junior teams in finishing fourth in their event.
The men were competing in a third/fourth place play-off at the 2010 Invacare World Team Cup in Antalya, Turkey and suffered a 2-1 loss to France on Sunday. The final tie of the week with Great Britain participation was Sunday's men's World Group 1 third and fourth place play off against the already dethroned 2009 champions and second seeds, with McCarroll giving Britain a 1-0 lead over France. Competing in his second Invacare World Team Cup for Great Britain, McCarroll earned his first career win over higher ranked Frenchman Frederic Cazeaudumec with a 6-3, 6-3 victory in the opening singles rubber. 
After helping Britain to reach the semi-finals of the men's event for the first time since 2002, 18-year-old Reid found French world No 2 Stephane Houdet an altogether tougher opponent, with Houdet winning the second singles rubber 6-1, 6-1 to force the deciding doubles. "It was a good performance, I've taken him to three sets before so it was nice to win in straight sets today, but unfortunately we couldn't do it in the doubles," said McCarroll. The highlight of the week has to be our doubles win over the Dutch in our semi-final, although it was a dead doubles rubber.
"They are the reigning Doubles Masters champions and to have come from a set and 5-2 down to win that was great.  We couldn't repeat the upset today, but have achieved our seeded position and bettered out fifth place last year."
Full article: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-05-10/Great-Britain-men-finish-fourth-at-Invacare-World-Team-Cup/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=62]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-05-11T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Youngsters take to tennis in Stony]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Youngsters take to tennis in Stony
 
British tennis has a lot to improve to produce world class players but no one can say that Stony Stratford Tennis Club aren&rsquo;t doing their bit for the &lsquo;sport for a lifetime&rsquo;.
On Saturday 8th May, junior players from the age of 4 years old gathered at Stony Stratford Tennis Club to give tennis a go and possibly win a year&rsquo;s free membership. The event is part of an initiative to attract tennis talent into clubs called &lsquo;T-Factor&rsquo;, which is provided by local tennis organisation Tennis:MK.
The children were invited to the event through leaflets in schools and it was their opportunity to visit one of the best clubs in Bucks and see what Stony Stratford Tennis Club has to offer juniors of all ages and abilities. The T-Factor session lasted for 2 hours and was run by Head Coach, John Skinner and Academy Coach, John Cavill. Both coaches are part of the recently formed Junior Committee at the club and the new fresh approach the club is taking is making a huge difference to grass roots tennis. All players at the session were faced with tasks to test their coordination, balance, ball skills, racket skills, movement and match play. All parents who were in attendance were also informed about the modern approach to developing players and the numerous coaching and competitive opportunities all junior members receive.
Head Coach, John Skinner, said,&rdquo; It was great to see many new faces and to speak with the parents about the benefits of tennis for their children. Everyone can learn a lot from tennis and we look forward to seeing all the players again soon.&rdquo; After the session finished, both coaches had to decided who would be rewarded with the free junior memberships, which was judged on athleticism and attitude. Academy coach, John Cavill, said,&rdquo; I&rsquo;m pleased that everyone has come and had a great time and learned something from the session. The club is working very hard to attract more children and involve the parents wherever possible. This event has been a great success in attracting more children and we hope that more will get involved in the future.&rdquo;
To find out more about Stony Stratford Tennis Club and the programmes they provide, contact John Skinner on 07989 096194 or visit www.ssltc.co.uk
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=63]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-05-12T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Finding a good tennis coach]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 
Tennis has many benefits, including:

Allows you to socialise and meet new people
Keeps your body and mind healthy and active
A sport that can be played by all ages and abilities
Gets you outdoors in the summer and keeps you active in the winter

Learning to play tennis is easy as all you need to do is find a good tennis coach that has experience of playing and coaching. A tennis coach also doesn&rsquo;t need to cost a fortune as group lessons can be as little as £5.00 per hour.
To get lessons you don&rsquo;t need to be a member of a club and often enough you will probably find a coach at your local public courts.
On epark we have 32 coaches listed from across the UK. All of the coaches are LTA qualified, knowledgeable and experienced. If you only a beginner then you should be looking for a coach that is:

Someone who is knowledgeable
Kind and patient.
Able to explain clearly methods and techniques.
Someone who can adapt to your needs
Someone you can trust

Finding a tennis coach is easy. All you need to do is a simple search on www.eparktennis.com by searching for a site in your area and contacting your local public site.
Epark had over 1,000 sites listed and if your still having problems then why not contact the epark team: http://www.eparktennis.com/content/contact-us.asp
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=64]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=64</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-05-13T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Summer Tennis Camps at Memorial Park, Coventry]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 
Inspire2coach are getting ready for the Wimbledon Championship and have some exciting tennis camps coming up in May, June, July and August.
 If you would like to know more about courses, timing and venue&rsquo;s then please click here: http://www.inspire2coach.co.uk/uploaded/summer%20flyer%20inc%20open%20days_1.pdf
All camps can be booked online at www.inspire2coach.co.uk or by calling me on 02476 150688. Please note new times and great new prices! 
 The camps are suited for all ages and abilities, learning how to play the game, fun tennis games and activities and meet some new friends. Memorial Park also run a term-time programme, these can be joined at any time and for advise on which group is suited best please contact them.
 A new half term programme starts from 7th June and there is a Grade 4 competitions coming up in Alcester, Beechwood and at memorial Parks newest venue Evesham! You can see all of these by clicking here: http://www.inspire2coach.co.uk/competitions/
 If you need any further information about Camps, Programmes or Competitions then please contact Hollie Sharman at Inspire2coach:
 Telephone: 02476 150688
Email: info@inspire2coach.co.uk
Website: www.inspire2coach.co.uk
 
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=65]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=65</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-05-14T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Queen Mary's College Pupils enjoy Judy Murray Master Class]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 
Pupils from Queen Mary&rsquo;s College in Basingstoke showed off their tennis skills today to none other than Judy Murray after the tennis team won a master class with the world-renowned coach following their victory in the AEGON Team Tennis Schools Senior Students Finals.
Organised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and supported by the Tennis Foundation, the competition, which provides the opportunity for lower rated players to play competitive tennis in a team based environment, saw Queen Mary&rsquo;s College win the mixed title. 
The college won through local stages and regional knock-out rounds to qualify for the national finals at Bolton Arena where more than 250 schools with players from Year 11 to 13 contested the boy&rsquo;s, mixed and girl&rsquo;s events.
Queen Mary&rsquo;s College, represented by Benjamin Jubin, Jack Nicholson, Roxanne Becker, Stephanie Catlin and Aimee Paterson were crowned mixed champions after defeating Merseyside&rsquo;s Ellesmere College in the final.
As a prize, they won a master class with Judy, mother of world number four, Andy, and 2007 Wimbledon mixed doubles champion, Jamie Murray. "The master class with Judy was a really good experience for us," said 17-year-old Stephanie Catlin.
"She gave us some really useful pointers which I&rsquo;m sure will stand me in good stead when I go to play at the University of Northern Colorado in America next year. We&rsquo;ve had had a really enjoyable day, learnt a lot and it was really great to meet her."
Read more here: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-05-17/Queen-Marys-College-Pupils-enjoy-Judy-Murray-Master-Class/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=66]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-05-18T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[London public tennis clubs experiencing huge growth]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Despite the recent David Cup defeat of team GB against Lithuania, and no British player winning a coveted "Grand Slam" for decades, tennis is experiencing "huge growth" in participation and interest inside the capital, due to the investment of resources by the LTA and The Tennis Foundation.At a recent House of Commons meeting of the All Party Tennis Group, £26 million of public money has been allocated to invest in grass roots tennis and facilities seeing many public tennis courts resurfaced, floodlights installed, and more coaching programmes developed to encourage effective coaching methods.Participation has grown hugely with 6 million people playing tennis in 2009, up from 4.5 million in 2005, with 500,000 children 4-10 year olds now playing Mini Tennis. The reason for the growth could be down to the change of climate in the London, with better weather, and the fact more young British players are gradually "breaking through".One grass-roots club the Bourneside Tennis Club in Southgate north London is currently experiencing an upward trend in "mini-red" players ie under 8 year olds the clubs secretary John Kaponi said:"We are seeing a lot more children taking part in tennis, which is down to the fact that parents want their children to take up this excellent sport, and the fantastic work being done by the LTA and The Tennis Foundation to promote tennis to the grassroots".This summer will see the annual "peak" in tennis interest with the Wimbledon fortnight one 34 days away, and public courts are expected during this period to be full.  The LTA and the Tennis Foundation are now working hard to develop local grass roots initiatives for children and all the community to see more people playing tennis.  The Tennis Foundation launched the "e-Park" initiative which allows members of the public to find tennis courts near their home to play.
Read the full article: http://www.thelondondailynews.com/london-tennis-revolution-huge-upsurge-tennis-participation-capital-p-4130.html]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=67]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-05-19T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Tennis Fun in Southampton]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[If you were passing through Southampton shopping centre on Saturday 15 May you may have seen a storm trooper hitting some tennis balls. Don&rsquo;t be alarmed as this was all part of Southampton's promotional tennis day.

 In total 360 people took part in the interactive tennis activities and the whole day was a big success!

If you see lots of bouncing tennis balls passing by you next time you&rsquo;re out shopping then why not stop and join in the fun. Tennis can be enjoyed by all age groups and abilities!]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=69]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=69</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-05-20T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[2010 National Wheelchair Tennis Championships this Friday...]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[ 

2010 National Wheelchair Tennis Championships this Friday&hellip;
Once again the national Wheelchair Tennis Championship is upon us and this year it&rsquo;s taking place at Oxstalls Indoor Tennis Centre, Glocoustershire, on Friday 28th May.
The National Wheelchair Tennis Championship is the premiere domestic event for Britain's wheelchair tennis players and also incorporates the Lord's Taverners Wheelchair Tennis Junior Championships. All main draw matches will be the best of three tie-break sets.
Who's it for?
There are singles and doubles event for players of all standards, from new players competing in the novice division up to experienced players and seasoned international performers competing in the main draw events for the honour of becoming National Champion.
What else do I need to know?
Wheelchair tennis is played to the same rules as able-bodied tennis with the only difference being that a wheelchair player is allowed two bounces of the ball. For the second successive year, some of the countries up-and-coming young players will compete in Gloucester for the Lord's Taverners Junior Championships titles. 
Play commences at 9.30am on Friday, 28th May with the finals set to take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 31st May.  Entry is free to all spectators throughout the weekend.
One's to watch?
World No 1 quad player Peter Norfolk (aka the Quadfather) is likely to face his stiffest opposition from world No 8 Andrew Lapthorne this year, while Beijing Paralympians Alex Jewitt and Kevin Simpson are likely to be among the main protagonists in the men's singles.  World No. 1 junior Jordanne Whiley will aim to regain the women's singles title. 
If you want to know more about wheelchair tennis then visit the Tennis Foundation website at: http://www.tennisfoundation.org.uk/disabilitytennis/wheelchairtennis/Please check the LTA website for more information on British tennis Events: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-05-24/Our-Weekly-Fans-Guide-to-British-Events/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=70]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-05-25T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Christchurch Park Achieves National Recognition]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Another tennis site has been awarded Beacon status! Christchurch Park, Dorset, one of the leading tennis park sites, was yesterday presented with their Beacon plaque by Alex Lewis from the Tennis Foundation.  The site has been awarded &lsquo;Beacon&rsquo; status in recognition of their high quality, affordable community tennis programmes.
Christchurch Park was selected by the Tennis Foundation for the accolade along with 39 other Beacon sites across the country.

It is one of the first community sites to achieve the status, which recognises the best community-focused facilities, as part of AEGON Parks Tennis.
Read the full article: http://www.tennisfoundation.org.uk/news/May-2010/Christchurch-Park-achieves-national-recognition/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=71]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=71</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-05-26T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Tennis facilities to be improved in Cambridgeshire]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
Today the Cambridge news reported on plans to improve tennis facilities within the community, saying that Cherry Hinton had been identified as an area lacking in affordable tennis for adults and juniors.
What the centre aims to do is offer low-cost tennis to the community and wants to encourage people to get involved with the sports for the first time as it can be played by all ages, al abilities and is a great sociable sport!
Thanks to grants from the Tennis Foundation there will now be 6 all weather, floodlit courts available for use as well as other park courts in the surrounding parks. James Yates is the manager of Hills Road High Performance Centre and is looking to recruit a level three coach! Please contact the site on James at: hillsroadtennis@aol.com if you&rsquo;re a qualified level three coach.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=72]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=72</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-05-27T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Another Murray Master Class]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[We reported on a very successful Murray Master Class held at Queen Mary&rsquo;s College earlier this month and now a second class has taken place at Birkdale School, Sheffield.

The Master Class was supported by the Tennis Foundation and offers lower rated players the opportunity to play competitive tennis. Birkdale won the AEGON Team Tennis School Senior Students Final and will now go on to the national finals at Bolton Arena&hellip;. Well done and good luck!
Read more here: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-05-24/Birkdale-School-Pupils-enjoy-Judy-Murray-Master-Class/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=73]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=73</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-05-28T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[French Open Fantastica!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The French Open is now on its 10th day with the Women&rsquo;s final on Saturday 5th June and the Men&rsquo;s the following day.                                                                                                                    There&rsquo;s been plenty of action so far with Andy Murray being defeated in the fourth round to Tomas Berdych but not after a riveting five-set win over Richard Gasquet who he so memorably overcame in 5 sets in fading light at the Wimbledon 2008 Championships.So why is the French Open so impressive?  The Roland Garros French Open is the second of the Grand Slam Tournaments on the annual tennis calendar. It&rsquo;s known as the greatest clay court Tennis Tournament in the world, and arguably the most specialist surface to play on. Clay is a lot slower to play on and favours the more consistent players such as Rafael Nadal as the rally&rsquo;s are a lot longer.  Rafael Nadal has won the tournament four times in the men&rsquo;s single section and this year&rsquo;s he is also odds on favourite, the king of clay seems to be unbeatable. Nadal has been building a great reputation for playing best on clay as he is one of the most consistent players and referred to as the man with clay feet!                                                                                                                Our predictions for the men&rsquo;s&rsquo; final:                                               Rafael Nadal Vs Roger Federer  Our predictions for the woman's final:                                                Sarena Williams Vs Caroline WozniackiIf you&rsquo;re looking for some great images then check out these nine photos on the BBC Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/8714486.stm
 
 
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=74]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=74</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-01T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[National recognition for two tennis sites]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The Tennis Foundation have announced that Victoria Park in Leamington Spa and War Memorial Park in Coventry, both leading tennis sites, have been awarded &lsquo;Beacon&rsquo; status in recognition  of their high quality, affordable community tennis programmes.
 

 
Both sites have been awarded their prestigious Beacon plaque by Sue Mappin, Tennis Foundation Executive Director.
 

 
A further 38 sites have been awarded Beacon status across the country but both Victoria Park and War Memorial are one of the first. We hope to bring more news soon on other sites being awarded recognition!
Please check the Tennis Foundation website for more tennis news!]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=75]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=75</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-03T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Everyone's getting involved with the Primary Schools Tennis Competition!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Schools tennis in Lancashire is enjoying success with a high proportion of schools in Burnley signed up for this year&rsquo;s Primary Schools Tennis Competition
Twenty-seven of the twenty-nine schools in the East Lancashire town entered this year&rsquo;s competition set up by Ian Taylor, who is part of the Community Sports Coaching and has delivered tennis coaching sessions in local primary schools and parks. In addition the Tennis Foundation has also organised Primary Schools Teachers Courses
Each year a Tennis Leaders Award, takes place to train secondary school children to help deliver tennis coaching and competitions.  This year&rsquo;s Tennis Leaders have been helping support the schools competitions as well as coaching sessions at Burnley Tennis Club, which is the only Tennis Clubmark venue in the borough.&ldquo;Working together with the Schools Sports Partnership has allowed schools tennis in Burnley to be more successful than ever&rdquo; said tennis coach, Iain Taylor.
&ldquo;Our aim next year is to have every school in the borough in the primary schools competition and in doing so we would be the first borough in Lancashire to achieve this goal.&rdquo;
We wish all the schools the best of luck!
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=76]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=76</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-04T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Tennis round-up!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[So we reported on the National Wheelchair Tennis Championship which took place on 28th May and is the premiere domestic event for Britain wheelchair tennis players. The three main title winners were Jewitt, Whiley and Lapthorne.
Alex Jewitt who won the men&rsquo;s singles against Shaun Regan; 17 year old Jordanne Whiley won her third National woman&rsquo; single title as she beat Louise Hunt; and 19 year old Andrew Lapthorne won the quad single final against Parfitt.
Congratulations to all three players and the runners up! Click here to read the full Paralympics article.
Additionally the French open finals took place this weekend and unfortunately for us only one of our predictions came true.
The men&rsquo;s final:  
Nadal took his fifth French Open title with one of his best defensive performances of this year. He beat Sweden&rsquo;s Robin Soderling with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 victory I just two hours and 18 minutes.
The woman&rsquo;s Final
Francesca Schiavone became the first Italian woman to win a Grand Slam title with 6-4, 7-6 (2) victory against Sam Stosur.
As you can see we predicted that Nadal would win but didn&rsquo;t predict the right opponent and unfortunately we were just slightly off the mark for the woman&rsquo;s. But if you watched the French Open finals then what a tournament of surprises!
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=77]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=77</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-07T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[New tennis facility opened in Clapham Common]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Clapham Common Tennis facility recently re-furbished eight new courts with modernised floodlighting to dramatically improve the tennis offering  and improve access to tennis within the community.
 

The facility is one of London&rsquo;s most popular open air tennis sites which received a nearly £100,000 to help improve playing opportunities to get more people of all ages and abilities to play more tennis.
It&rsquo;s an exciting new development for tennis in London and we hope to see more people playing there!
Read the full article here
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=78]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=78</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-08T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[touchtennis, a new sport]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
This is a new tennis game for cultured and strategic players. If you love tennis the try this game as it levels the field between players and sexes and brings new challenges for all tennis loving players. The essence of the game is touch rather than pace!
It&rsquo;s a new sport created in England in 2003 and has rapidly expanded across several continents. The rules of the game can be seen here.
However the main differences between this new strategic sport and the traditional game are:

The court dimensions are much smaller
Recquets must be no shorter than 20.8 inches and no longer than 21,5 inches
The tennis ball is a Slazenger Indoor Foam ball which is 8cm in diameter and made from cut foam
If the racquet leaves your hand in order to make that shot then the shot still counts
No let rule
Recommended grunting to distract your opponent

 
So, if you&rsquo;re interested in trying out your skills and fancy yourself as the next Andy Murray of touchtennis then check here to find venues with touchtennis facilities and let us know how it goes!]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=79]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=79</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-09T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Another tennis site has been awarded Beacon status!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Exmouth Tennis and Leisure Centre was yesterday presented with their Beacon plaque in recognition of its high quality, affordable community tennis programmes.
Exmouth is one of the first community sites to be awarded Beacon status along with 39 other sites across the UK.
Congratulations Exmouth!
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=80]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=80</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-10T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Mel South Goes Back To School in Birmingham]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Team AEGON player, Mel South, took time out from playing at the AEGON Classic and joined pupils at Raddlebarn Primary School in Birmingham to check out the changes in tennis which are taking the nation&rsquo;s youngsters by storm.

The Tennis Foundation (TF), supported by the Lawn Tennis Association, (LTA) has been implementing a new AEGON Schools Tennis strategy to increase children&rsquo;s access to tennis and the British number five was on hand to see the new style tennis delivery in action.
AEGON Schools Tennis provides a range of resources for schools, including an innovative coach-led DVD. The new tools are designed to give teachers everything they need to offer tennis, and demonstrate how tennis can be taught in small areas to large groups, whether in the playground or the school hall.
The programme also provides the equipment to make it happen and over 7,000 packs have been distributed nationwide completely free-of-charge &ndash; the equivalent of  230,000 tennis rackets and 461,000 tennis balls and Tennis is the only sport to have developed such an interactive child-facing DVD resource, meaning the pressure of demonstrating tennis skills is taken off the teacher. 
Read the full article here: http://www.tennisfoundation.org.uk/news/June2010/Mel-South-Goes-Back-To-School-in-Birmingham/
 
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=81]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=81</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-10T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Appeti Tennis Centre gets new wheels]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[With the help of local community businesses and the Tennis Foundation Appeti Tennis Centre has just received their brand new Appeti branded van which aims to support all the local tennis players taking part in tournaments.
 

Follow the link for more images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/appetitennis/4699902006/in/set-72157624272759966/
 
If you live in the Kent area then keep an eye out for their branded new wheels!]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=82]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=82</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-15T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[New tennis strategy launched in Haringey]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[On Tuesday the 15th June Haringey announced a new fantastic plan to increase the number of people playing tennis and to improve the tennis facilities.
Six new courts, four mini courts and basketball courts were opened by TV presenter Sue Barker and former GB Davis Cup player Greg Rusedski earlier this year and all the courts are floodlit so they can now be played on until 9.00pm in the autumn and winter.
A three year plan has been produced to promote tennis in the borough, which includes:

Increase participation
Raise standards
Develop better players
Improve coaching 
And develop facilities

To read more about the new tennis plan please visit the Haringey website and why not look at the new tennis development plan!]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=83]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=83</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-16T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[epark is on Twitter!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[If you want to keep updated on what&rsquo;s going on at the National Tennis Centre and from epark then make sure you follow our tweets!
www.twitter.com/eparktennis ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=84]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=84</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-18T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Wimbledon kicks off!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[                                                                                      For all you tennis lovers, today is one of the most exciting days of the year&hellip; the first day of Wimbledon.As one of the oldest tennis tournaments it&rsquo;s generally considered the most prestigious and one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. And being a nation of traditionalists, we love it because it&rsquo;s one of the only tournaments still played on the game&rsquo;s original surface of grass.So who do we think the likely finalists will be this year?
For the women it&rsquo;s most likely to be either one of the Williams sisters as they have won eight of the last 10 Wimbledon and at the moment they are World No. 1 and World No. 2.
As for the men, well&hellip; we can already see Nadal and Federer fighting it once again for a &lsquo;hold on to your chairs&rsquo; performance!
                                                                                        We hope everyone else is looking forward to an exciting two weeks of tennis. Remember you can keep up with what&rsquo;s going on with Wimbledon by following the event on Twitter!
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=85]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=85</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-21T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[The best tennis day out ever!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Hopefully you all got to see the Nadal game yesterday at Wimbledon. We didn&rsquo;t miss it either.
One group of kids had the time of their lives yesterday being 4 rows away from the players at Centre Court.
 A group of young tennis enthusiasts were lucky enough to spend the day sunning themselves on Centre Court and even managed to get Nadal&rsquo;s autograph and catch a few of the top players towels.
 The young players were from Apetti Tennis Academy and love tennis so much they camped out for the best tickets ever&hellip; pure dedication.
 We are very jealous!]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=86]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=86</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-23T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Holly's first post from the Tennis Foundation]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s that time of year again. Strawberries and cream, Pimms and lemonade and the beautifully mown grass courts at SW19. It&rsquo;s the favourite Grand Slam of nearly every player you speak to and attracts crowds from the far corners of the globe. The All England Club has hosted the Wimbledon Championships since 1877 and I can remember watching it on TV since forever. In fact, there may have been a time when a slight cold turned into a nasty case of the flu just to get a week off school to soak up as many hours as possible. But that&rsquo;s another matter&hellip;
 As the first week flies by and the tension builds, kids all over the country are begging their parents to take them to their nearest courts, buy them the same racquet as Federer or Nadal and show that they too can hit a lob within inches of the baseline over Mum or Dad&rsquo;s head. And for those heading out to play with their mates, it&rsquo;s no longer Seles versus Graf in the local park as it was in my day but Williams against Sharapova battling it out for bragging rights.

 This is where the important work of the Tennis Foundation (TF) comes in. It&rsquo;s easy at this time of year to get everyone interested in tennis (despite the slight distraction of some sort of football competition taking place at the moment) but in order for the sport to grow in this country we need everyone out playing tennis all year round. And people should feel that they can access their local club or park and utilise the facilities there at an affordable cost and without worrying what everyone else will think of them when they struggle at first to get the ball over the net.
 Really that is the whole point of Epark. It&rsquo;s not just a tennis version of Facebook but a stepping stone to get more people out in the real world playing tennis. Through Epark everyone from beginners to seasoned pros and coaches can find out where their local courts are. Once you register you can build your own profile (the bit that is like Facebook) and find local players of a similar standard to play against. You can become part of a tennis community whatever your level of skill and however seriously you want to take the game.
 And if you run a tennis facility then you can register on Epark and take the first step to becoming a Beacon site, where you can receive advice and funding from the TF. Amongst other benefits you would also receive a rather fetching Beacon plaque and possibly even a guest appearance from a tennis celeb to present you with it. So far 44 sites across the country have reached Beacon status and this number is set to grow over the coming weeks and months.
 Although all the focus is always on how many Brits we can get in the top ten and results, results, results, it shouldn&rsquo;t be forgotten that tennis is meant to be fun. Fun to play and fun to watch. And the fact that it&rsquo;s great for losing a few pounds and tightening up those abs is just a pleasant bonus.
 So that was a bit of a, hopefully not too boring, introduction to some of the work the TF does and each week I&rsquo;ll bring you a snapshot of what&rsquo;s been happening not just here at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton but across the country in the wonderful world of tennis. We&rsquo;ll have guest blogs and all the latest news from inside the community, schools and disability sections of the TF so keep reading and don&rsquo;t forget to follow us on Twitter through eparktennis and let us know your thoughts and reaction to what&rsquo;s going on.
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=87]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=87</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-24T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Anne Keothavong goes back to her roots]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Team AEGON player and British No.3 Anne Keothavong took time out from her Wimbledon preparations to watch some of her fellow East Londoners take their early strides into competitive tennis last week.
Hackney-born Keothavong, who became the first British woman for sixteen years to be ranked inside the world&rsquo;s top 50 last year, attended the East London Year 3 &amp; 4 Mini Tennis Schools Final at Redbridge Sports Centre on Friday 18 June.
The event was also a qualifier for the Mini Tennis finals of the Balfour Beatty London Youth Games, which will take place at the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton on Thursday 15th July.

Mini Tennis at the Balfour Beatty London Youth Games is delivered through a unique partnership with the Youth Sport Trust (YST), Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Tennis Foundation. YST Competition Managers across London host local mini tennis team competitions with winning teams qualifying for five sub-regional finals.
Read the full article here: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-06-21/Anne-Keothavong-goes-back-to-her-roots/
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=88]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=88</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-28T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[National Schools Sports Week]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The coalition Government announced yesterday new plans to boost competition in schools for children and young people

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP, Secretary of State for Education Michael Gove MP, joined Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis, Sports Minister Hugh Robertson and the Mayor of London Boris Johnson at an event at the City of London Academy in Bermondsey, South East London as part of National Schools Sports Week which is Britain biggest school sporting event with nearly 14,000 schools and 5 million children taking part in a week&rsquo;s long celebration of sport

Talking about the inspiration sport can provide to youngsters, Mr Hunt also wished Andy Murray &ldquo;the very best of luck in seeing off Sam Querry this afternoon.&rdquo; Murray obliged by providing a straight sets victory to move into the quarter-finals as the only man yet to drop a set.
The Tennis Foundation, with LTA support, has been driving a major expansion of schools tennis through AEGON Schools Tennis. This programme has seen nearly quarter of a million mini tennis rackets sent free-of-charge to primary schools since the start of 2009, and more than 7500 teachers trained to deliver tennis]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=89]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=89</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-29T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Greg takes time out of Wimbledon to see youngsters new tennis programme]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Even though Wimbledon is in full swing Greg Rusedski put down his commentating duties and joined Chesterton Primary school pupils in Battersea to see for himself the changes that are happening in tennis for youngsters!

 The Tennis Foundation has been increasing kids access to tennis through the AEGON schools tennis programme and therefore developing facilities and coaching schemes for them. Greg popped down to the Battersea Primary school to witness the new style of tennis delivery and to offer them encouragement for their scheme.
Lucky kids!
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=90]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=90</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-06-30T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Wimbledon on Wheels]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[I think most people would agree that tennis is a fairly difficult sport to play well. It looks a lot easier on the TV. Just get it over the net and within that big open space on the other side more times than your opponent can. But I know I am not alone in finding myself getting more and more frustrated because I know exactly where I want the ball to go but I can&rsquo;t get my racquet to actually direct it there.

Featured in the photo: Peter Norfolk with the Williams sistersSo imagine how difficult it would be if you didn&rsquo;t have the freedom to run all over the court chasing down balls and giving yourself time to play the shot you want. That&rsquo;s why I am still amazed every time I watch our current crop of British wheelchair players practising here at the National Tennis Centre. The speed and power behind their shots is frightening and their manoeuvrability around the court is impossible to believe until you&rsquo;ve seen it with your own eyes.
The sport was summed up brilliantly by wheelchair tennis manager at the International Tennis Federation Mark Bullock when he said, &ldquo;Wheelchair tennis is tennis, you don&rsquo;t need anything extra, the only difference is that players are allowed two bounces to reach the ball.&rdquo;
Wheelchair tennis was only conceived in 1976 by an American called Brad Parks, an 18-year-old who wanted to continue playing tennis after a skiing accident left him confined to a chair. By 1992 the ITF had established the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour and now the sport is represented at each of the four Grand Slams. It is estimated that over 6,000 people now play the sport in more than 70 countries worldwide. In fact, Parks will become the first wheelchair tennis player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame next month in Newport, Rhode Island. 

Featured in the photo: Lucy ShukerAnd the good news is that Great Britain has a number of world class athletes playing the sport. Only last week British number one and world number 13 Lucy Shuker reached the semi finals of the French Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Paris beating two top ten players along the way. And in the quad division Peter Norfolk has long been the world number one and has two Paralympic gold medals and numerous Grand Slam titles to prove it.
The wheelchair doubles tournament kicks off at Wimbledon on Friday with Shuker representing GB at the All England Club where she will team up with Aussie Daniela di Toro. The pair will be hoping they can recreate last year&rsquo;s success when they reached the final at SW19. For the fours pairs in the men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s doubles there is £30,000 in prize money available, a far cry from the million pounds available for the winner of the men&rsquo;s singles but not bad for a competition which is only in its second year for the women and sixth for the men.

Featured in the photo: Lucy and Daniela di ToroSo if you&rsquo;re at Wimbledon over the weekend make sure you catch a glimpse of these incredible athletes and don&rsquo;t forget you can register your interest in wheelchair tennis ahead of the London 2012 Paralympics at https://www.tickets.london2012.com/member/registration.
 You can find out more about playing or coaching on the Tennis Foundation website - http://www.tennisfoundation.org.uk/disabilitytennis/.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=91]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-01T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Murray wows 600,000 YouTubers with 'street tennis']]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[
Tennis brand Head&rsquo;s campaign, featuring British number one Andy Murray showcasing some of his skills, has topped 600,000 views in the past two weeks.
The video, shot in five hours in Shoreditch, has become the 40th most viewed sports video on YouTube this month, and no wonder as it shows Murray performing various tennis feats including precision serves knocking down soda cans and high-speed brick wall games using multiple balls.
Murray, who arguably is not the most lively or favourably portrayed tennis star, was described by the ad&rsquo;s Director as &ldquo;so nice&rdquo;. Here&rsquo;s hoping all that practice will pay off in this afternoon&rsquo;s semi-final against the world No.1, Nadal.....
To read the full article, go to http://www.brandrepublic.com/bulletin/brandrepublicnewsbulletin/article/1013200/murray-street-tennis-viral-tops-600k-views/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=92]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-02T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Future Hope:  Britain's Serena Williams]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Featured above: Jhonaya FletchmanThis little girl is one of Britain's best hopes for the future of tennis, despite it being only a year since she first picked up a tennis racket on one of the litter-strewn courts in Manchester's Moss Side, one of the most dangerous areas in Britain and a magnet for gangs and gun violence. 
She is so talented that an ex-coach for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) likened her to gold dust. Mark Cowley, now head coach at the Regional Tennis Centre in Manchester, adds: "I've been a coach for ten years and have never seen a kid of Jhonayah's age with that ability.&rdquo; Echoing the phenomenal family talent of the Williams sisters, who were brought up in the notorious Los Angeles suburb of Compton, two of Jhonayah's brothers - Nemiah, ten, and Moezze, eight - are also tennis prodigies. Mum Elvereen, 45, is single-handedly raising all 11 children - six boys and five girls. "At home, we've always had tennis on the TV because I loved it, and I got the kids a racket and showed them how to play.&rdquo; Her mum praises Jhonayah&rsquo;s strength and balance and explains that the mini Serena can often be found drawing pictures of a tennis court and working out ways to beat an opponent.
Featured above: Jhonaya's idol, Serena WilliamsElvereen has high hopes for her talented children but worries that run-down Moss Side Tennis Club is not giving them the best chances. As she cannot afford proper training for Jhonayah, she and other parents have trained to become tennis coaches so that they can teach their children themselves. The LTA have also donated £500 worth of equipment and are keen to help Moss Side Tennis Club.Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/3035075/Britains-greatest-tennis-hopefuls.html#ixzz0snQ8DRk9]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=93]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-05T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[British juniors compete in European Summer Cup Finals]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The Great Britain 14U boys&rsquo; and girls&rsquo; teams were both in finals  action over the weekend at the European Summer Cup tournaments in  Magaluf, Spain and Loano, Italy respectively.
The boys' team of Alexander Sendegeya, Josh Sapwell, Shakeel Manji  and Peter Ashley, led by captain Iain Hughes finished in third place  overall after two victories from three matches.
A successful qualifying campaign last week brought victories over  Portugal and home favourites Spain to secure their place in the  weekend&rsquo;s final round where they met Italy in their opening match.
To read the full article, go here: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-07-05/Great-British-juniors-compete-in-European-Summer-Cup-Finals/
 ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=94]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-06T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Greg Rusedski's protection of future tennis talent]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Yesterday London Evening Standard reported on Greg  Rusedski having been given the daunting task of ensuring two of  Britain's tennis wannabees do not join the long list of players who  never realised their potential.
With Andy  Murray, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals for the second season in a row, the only British player to  win a round at the tournament this year, tennis is at the mercy of its  many critics.
Despite the problems of defending a sport that  spends £60million a year trying to find young men and women good enough  to follow Murray's lead, Rusedski is up for the challenge of ensuring  that James  Ward, the world No301 from north London,  and Warrington's  Ashley Hewitt, 17, who reached the French  Open boys' third round, do not waste their talent.
Rusedski,  the former US  Open finalist, is the Lawn  Tennis Association's talent and performance ambassador and he has  already waved the big stick in the direction of Ward and Hewitt, with  both players responding to his very direct challenges. He is also taking  his message to British schools, where one million youngsters have been  given access to tennis through the AEGON Schools Tennis programme that Rusedski is backing.
To read full article at London Evening Standard, click here: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/article-23853183-greg-rusedskis-desperate-to-get-british-tennis-smiling.do]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=95]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-07T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Back to school for Britain's No.3 Jamie Baker]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[AEGON GB Davis Cup player Jamie Baker took time out from preparations  for this weekend&rsquo;s Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie against Turkey to join  pupils at Langney Primary School in Eastbourne to check out the changes  in tennis which are taking the nation&rsquo;s youngsters by storm.
The Tennis Foundation (TF), supported by the Lawn Tennis Association,  (LTA) has been implementing the AEGON Schools Tennis strategy to  increase children&rsquo;s access to tennis and Baker was on hand to see the  new style tennis delivery in action.
Britain&rsquo;s No. 3 player experienced firsthand just what an impact the  initiative is having on pupils on the south coast.
He said: "To encourage more kids to take up the sport and stay  involved, we want to make tennis more accessible at school and we want  them to have a quality experience of this great sport, and the session I  saw today was exactly that."
To read the full article, go to: http://www.lta.org.uk/News/All-news-items/2010-07-05/Jamie-Baker-goes-back-to-school/]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=96]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-08T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[The Future of British Tennis]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[A lot has been written recently about where Great Britain&rsquo;s superstars of the future are going to come from. From relying on the current crop of junior players to demanding more money be spent on grass roots tennis or centres of excellence, everyone seems to have an opinion on the state of British tennis. 
And with the Davis Cup tie taking place this weekend against Turkey the focus will once more be on those British players who have yet to hit the heights of Andy Murray and make their mark in the Grand Slams.  
Jamie Baker and James Ward will compete in the singles while doubles pair Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski will be hoping they can do their bit to topple the Turks. New captain Leon Smith will be at the helm for the first time and the pressure will be on to make sure GB doesn&rsquo;t end up in the bottom tier of world tennis.
But the success of British tennis is a long-term strategy and whatever happens this weekend we should always be looking to the future.
To spark an increase in world-class British players it seems to me to be a simple numbers game &ndash; the more people in the country playing tennis, the more likely we are to produce top players. And I know money makes the world go round but there are tennis facilities across all parts of the UK which offer free equipment and court hire.
And those places that offer this to their local community get rewarded by the Tennis Foundation through becoming part of the Beacon programme. James and Alex Ward showed their support for one such site this week when they visited Gildredge Park in Eastbourne and had a hit with some local junior players.

                        Featured above: Alex and James Ward visit Gildredge ParkBaker was also out in the community visiting pupils at Langney Primary School in Eastbourne as part of the AEGON Schools Tennis strategy to increase children&rsquo;s access to tennis. These guys didn&rsquo;t start off hitting balls at the National Tennis Centre, but at their local court with their friends and family.

                         Featured above: Jamie Baker goes back to schoolIf the long-term aim of having one Beacon site acting as a centre of community tennis excellence in each of the 442 local authorities in Britain is achieved, then there should certainly be a bigger pot to pick from.
Venus and Serena&rsquo;s dad Richard Williams has long said that British tennis needs to start &ldquo;looking around the ghettos&rdquo; to find more talent in the country.
He may well be proved right with the recent media coverage of five-year-old Jhonaya Fletchman from Manchester&rsquo;s Moss Side area. Despite playing at a run-down club the youngest of 11 siblings has already been touted as the next Venus Williams.
Judging by the sisters&rsquo; success after growing up in the notorious suburb of Compton, LA, I think Mr Williams is definitely on to something here.  
Tickets for the Davis Cup tie at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne are still available - http://www.lta.org.uk/Watch/DavisCup/Ticket-Details/.
Post by Holly Hamilton at the Tennis Foundation.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=97]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-09T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Shreddies supporting Irish Parks Tennis]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Parks Tennis is a voluntary organisation dedicated to promoting the game of tennis for children around Ireland. It originally began as Dublin Parks Tennis in 1977, the brainchild of Irish Junior Tennis Champion, Tom Shelly, and catered for 700 children. Parks Tennis now caters for 26,000 children in 160 venues across the country, proving to be one of the biggest &amp; most popular sporting camps in Ireland!
                                                            
It is now possible to become the face of Shreddies Parks Tennis by submitting a photograph of yourself dressed as your favourite Tennis Star! 
Register with a Shreddies Parks Tennis Camp here.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=98]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-13T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Deuce: World Cup v Wimbledon]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Last Sunday&rsquo;s final match between Holland and Spain saw the end of the World Cup 2010 and Wimbledon officials can breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to another 4 years of football free summers.
The London Evening Standard reported recently on the empty seats at the All England Club and revealed that the World Cup was &ldquo;partly&rdquo; to blame.  Indeed, a spokesman for Wimbledon admitted &ldquo;The World Cup probably is a factor.&rdquo;
The club conspicuously chose not to show any England games on any screen at the grounds, or update visitors on the score.  It has been evident to fans of both sports that there has existed a rivalry between the two competitions.
A source told the Evening Standard:  &ldquo;We are not going to have it. It is Wimbledon &mdash; we don't want everyone cheering the football during the tennis.&rdquo;  This would certainly distract players out on the courts and be counter-productive to the success of the great British grand slam.  However, it is possible that these two beloved national sports could work together in the future.
The Tennis Foundation aims to make tennis more accessible, more up-to-date and dispel the myth that it is an elitist sport. Perhaps not all, but many tennis fans enjoy playing, watching, or talking about football as well.  Surely working with football, not against football, would engender a common love of sport and the Great British summer; 2 things of which epark is very much in favour.
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=99]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-14T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Hooray for Andy Murray & the Invention of Tennis Football!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[They do say that great minds think alike so, after yesterday&rsquo;s blog post, epark was not a bit surprised to learn that British No.1 Andy Murray has been winding down after Wimbledon by teaching &lsquo;Tennis Football&rsquo; to children from the St Marys' C of E Primary School in Putney at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.

Like many in the UK, Murray is an avid fan of both sports, so he invented the game as a unique pre-match warm up, calling it &ldquo;the perfect combination to get me warmed up before playing.&rdquo; 
He explained: "The game tests your reactions and footwork. The kids have picked it up really quickly - they&rsquo;ve obviously been watching plenty of Wimbledon and the World Cup.&rdquo;Who knows, this summer could see the likes of Wayne Rooney picking up a racket for a friendly knock about in the park....?
]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=100]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-15T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Will to Win Chiswick on chiswicklife.tv!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Opened by Tim Henman 15 years ago, Tennis Foundation Beacon site, public tennis centre and epark member, Will to Win Chiswick, have secured an in depth interview with www.chiswicklife.tv. Company Director, Steve Riley, summises the various programmes and training that is on offer at the site, which include free tennis for state schools, Sunday brunch coaching, women's practice, 6 week courses for kids or adults after school or work and individual coaching options from 7 full time qualified, licenced, insured coaches.Featuring a pavilion, cafe, shop, 7 renovated courts, a conservatory and changing rooms, Will to Win Chiswick caters for any age and ability.To watch the video interview, go to: http://www.chiswicklife.tv/WilltoWinFor more information, visit www.willtowin.co.uk]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=101]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-15T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Head on down to the British Open Wheelchair Champs]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[There have been some dark days recently what with the thrills and spills of two glorious sun-filled weeks at Wimbledon coming to a close before the &lsquo;greatest show on earth&rsquo; reached a bit of an anti-climax in South Africa.
Rafa being re-crowned King of SW19, Serena looking as strong as ever and Spain recreating their Euro 2008 triumph all seem like distant memories as the summer speeds by. 
But fear not because not only is the Tour de France well under way and the Old Lady hosting golf&rsquo;s most prestigious tournament The Open at St Andrews, the 21st British Open Wheelchair Championships start next week.
Nottingham Tennis Centre will again play host to the world&rsquo;s top wheelchair tennis players as competitors from as far afield as Chile and Sri Lanka come to battle it out.
The British Open, which begins on Tuesday, is one of only five ITF Super Series tournaments on the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour and is seen as one of the most important outside of the four Grand Slams.
World number one Esther Vergeer will be in action from the Netherlands as she sets her sights on an epic tenth British Open title. Vergeer, who also has five Paralympic gold medals in her trophy cabinet, will be in confident mood after picking up her second doubles title at Wimbledon with partner Sharon Walraven just a few weeks ago.
Great Britain&rsquo;s number one Lucy Shuker is seeded eighth as she looks to continue her recent run of good form which saw her reach the last four in Paris at the last Super Series event, the French Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships, last month.
Featured above: Esther Vergeer and Korie Homan were finalists at last year&rsquo;s British OpenThe men&rsquo;s competition sees world number two Stephane Houdet of France bidding for his first British Open title but he will face stiff opposition from Dutch trio Maikel Scheffers, Robin Ammerlaan and Ronald Vink.
While in GB&rsquo;s corner will be David Phillipson, Gordon Reid and Marc McCarroll, who are all now inside the world&rsquo;s top 25. And 21-year-old Phillipson will get the biggest cheers of all being a local lad from Bingham and having already reached two Super Series quarters this season.
In the quads world number two David Wagner from the US will be hoping to take advantage of Peter Norfolk&rsquo;s absence (after becoming a dad for the second time this week) and defend the title he captured last year. Andrew Lapthorne and Jamie Burdekin will be the top home hopes for the British brigade.
But best of all, entry to watch is free all week and you can pick yourself up a rather snazzy programme put together by yours truly.  And if you do go along don&rsquo;t forget to say hello to my TF colleagues Becky Drew, Tournament Director, Nicola Higgs and Press Officer Marshall Thomas.
With London 2012 creeping ever closer, preparations are ramping up in earnest for the Paralympics which will see the wheelchair tennis taking place at Eton Manor.
So don&rsquo;t miss this chance to see both established Paralympians and stars of the future taking to the courts next week ahead of the biggest challenge of them all in just over two years' time.By Holly Hamilton at the Tennis Foundation]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=102]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-16T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Get active. Get artistic!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Graffters, an equipment supplier to schools, has just launched an exciting competition to find the next great artistic talent of the future!
This millennium we have been advised that our children are eating too much salt, fat and sugar and television programmes such as &lsquo;Jamie&rsquo;s School Dinners&rsquo; have paved the way for an increase in healthy nutrition and active lifestyles amongst the young.
 
&lsquo;Food for Thought&rsquo; is an art competition based on the changing perception that children have of food and is open to children up to the age of 16 years.
There are three categories (Abstract / Healthy Eating / My Favourite Food) and all they children have to do is submit one painting of up to A3 in size from one of these topics.
 
There will be winning paintings from each category, as well as an overall winner and the overall winner will also win a prize for their school or nursery. Prizes will be distributed in January 2011 and winners will be notified to take part in publicity which may include a photograph with their design.
Children must enter before October 31, 2010.
For more information visit www.graffters.co.uk or click here to download the entry form! ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=103]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=103</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-07-16T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Making tennis more street, not elite]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[J.M. Barrie was once quoted as saying, "What a polite game tennis is.  The chief word in it seems to be 'sorry' and admiration of each other's play crosses the net as frequently as the ball.&rdquo;
While this is an commendable example of sportsmanship and gentlemanly play, it conjures up images of England&rsquo;s upper classes tiptoeing out onto a freshly cut grass court, the ladies sipping tea nearby, to enjoy an afternoon of guffawing at mis-hits, slapping each other on the back and exclaiming, &ldquo;Ah, well up old boy&rdquo;.
However, tennis is evolving; from Andy Murray&rsquo;s recent display of &lsquo;street tennis&rsquo; &amp; promotion of &lsquo;tennis football&rsquo; (epark Blog 2 &amp; 15 July), to the growing global phenomenon of &lsquo;beach tennis&rsquo;. The latter has lately broken into the AAU Junior Olympic Games and been recognised as a sport by the International Tennis Foundation. We could even be seeing it alongside the 100m and Triathlon amid other Olympic traditions as early as 2016, sponsors say.
Back here in London, the Tennis Foundation launched its own &lsquo;street&rsquo; campaign to raise awareness of the charity and drive the public to watch tennis on BBC Wimbledon screens placed around the country.
The campaign used a jet spray to clean away dirt on public footpaths using a template to leave a 'clean' imprint of its message. Epark imagines that Lord and Lady Woodentennisracket would approve of the campaign&rsquo;s imaginative execution and &lsquo;green&rsquo; credentials.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=104]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-19T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Albert Road Pavilion Official Opening Video featuring Greg Rusedski!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The Tennis Foundation have uploaded a fantastic video of the official opening of the Albert Road Pavilion in North London.The Pavilion Sports and Cafe was founded in 2003 by Robby Sukhdeo. With the support of Haringey Council and the Friends&rsquo; Group, Robby has created a popular community facility that has seen a large increase in visitors to the Green Flag-winning park. His aim with his team of coaches was to turn a rundown park facility into a thriving tennis centre at the Albert Road Recreation Ground. They have been extremely successful in introducing thousands of children and adults to tennis. For their efforts, the Tennis Foundation chose this popular Haringey park as the winner of its inaugural Park of the Year award in 2008. Click here to check it out!]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=105]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-19T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Parklangley shows epark it's MORE than just tennis]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[The Parklangley Club, a Beacon site and epark member, has a total of 16 tennis courts, 4 badminton courts and 4 squash courts on site, as well as a number of other tennis courts and 2 additional squash courts a short distance away. With a full complement of surfaces to play on, you can play tennis all year round, whatever the weather.
As well as excellent facilities for racket sports, a well-appointed clubhouse with state of the art gym, dance studio, sauna and steam room, there is a large, family friendly bar and restaurant which can even hold weddings and parties!
So much more than just tennis, Parklangley has just hosted their &lsquo;Wine Tasting&rsquo; evening; an opportunity to mix fun, wine, competitiveness and a bit of glamour.
It&rsquo;s not all about the adults though, as Parklangley prepares for their Summer school holiday programme (Monday July 26th to Friday August 27th), where each day is crammed full of sporting and other exciting activities. Book in the kids for half a day, a full day or a whole week.
In addition to all this, Parklangley has a scheme that allows families to play tennis for free on any one of their three park sites. Also on offer is free coaching, free club sessions and free tournaments.
To find out more, check out their website at www.theparklangleyclub.co.uk ]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=106]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=106</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-07-20T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Serena goes back in time for Gatorade]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Epark discovered this video lately, while following the movements of current ladies' Wimbledon champion, Serena Williams.It sees the tennis genius from Compton star in a new Gatorade G Series TV spot by TBWA\Chiat\Day L.A, in which she appears to have travelled back in time to the 1920s to compete in a  tennis match at the All England Club.Click here to take a look! (video provided by campaignlive.co.uk)]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=107]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-20T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[TennisNUTS about tennis: Discounted equipment!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Epark could fairly be described as &lsquo;nuts&rsquo; about tennis, however we have discovered a website that is nuts by name and nature: www.tennisnuts.com. Here you can find thousands of tennis products and, what&rsquo;s more, epark members can claim a 5% discount!
Not only does www.tennisnuts.com stock the largest selection in the UK of tennis equipment, clothing and shoes, it also shows you exactly what Rafa, R.Fed and the marvellous Murray are wearing this season.
So make sure you log on now to get your fabulous epark discount. Click here to start shopping. The logon is eparktennis and the password is discount. Sssh... keep it under your visor.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=108]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=108</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-07-21T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Not one, not two, but THREE sites awarded Beacon status!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Epark is proud to announce that 3 of its members have just received full Beacon status from the Tennis Foundation. Dunbar Tennis in Winterfield Park has 3 tennis courts and can be contacted on 01368 863315. Denmead Tennis Club at the King George Playing Fields, Hampshire, founded in 1964, has 3 recently rebuilt courts - have a look at http://www.denmeadtennis.org.uk/page/facilities/facilities.  Last but not least, "Come join the fun" philosophers, Park Tennis (in Woking Park, http://www.parktennis.net/) have 5 outdoor courts and various programmes to keep you, your children and your parents occupied. Congratulations to all three!Featured above: Future Wimbledon champs enjoying Woking Tennis in the Park]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=109]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=109</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-07-21T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Family Tennis Day at Bitts Park 5 August 2010]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[If you're stuck thinking of things to do with the family in these muggy school-free months, then look no further!Beacon site, Bitts Park, in partnership with the Tennis Foundation and Carlisle Leisure Ltd is hosting a Family Tennis Day on Thursday 5 August 2010.A whole day of fun and games has been scheduled with a focus on, but not limited to, tennis. Suitable for all ages and all standards, activities will include Mini tennis taster sessions in the morning, Juniors at lunchtime, Adults early afternoon and, as if that wasn't enough, all will be interspersed with Nintendo Wii, raffle, speed gun, basketball, tag rugby... the list goes on and on!Click here to see the poster for more information and details of how to book.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=110]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=110</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-07-22T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Norfolk home to Mini Wimbledon]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Not content to sit back and watch Wimbledon 2010, the Norfolk School Sport Partnership launched their very own version at Easton Tennis Centre at the start of July this year.The Mini Tennis Red County Final kicked off with a Mini Tennis Red demonstration, after which each child played in a round robin where team scores were accumulated and decided the afternoon's pools.Tom Gibbins, Education Manager at the Tennis Foundation said he was "really pleased to hear how the new primary resources developed by the Tennis Foundation are already starting to make a massive difference on the ground.&rsquo;&rsquo;Click here to read the full article.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=111]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=111</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-07-22T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[A Tennis Revolution?]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[We all know and love tennis. And we all know where we stand, whatever our ability, with the racquet and balls we need to use and the court we have to play our shots on. You learn the rules in school and you perfect your tactical game from watching two weeks of Wimbledon every year. Aside from the huge step forward in technology over the years, the basics of the game have barely changed.
But what if all you thought you knew about tennis was taken away? The traditionalists almost had a heart attack when the challenge system was brought in (and what an excellent idea it has proved to be for both players and fans) so what would they say if their tennis world was turned upside down? 
Since 2003 there has been something bubbling under the surface luring players in and not letting them escape its clutches. And it hasn&rsquo;t been the evil tennis court gnomes that no-one dare speak of.
Oh no, it&rsquo;s the phenomenon that goes by the name&hellip; TOUCHTENNIS. 
Created seven years ago in England, this new way of life has spread across countries, continents and maybe even planets.
Rashid Ahmad&rsquo;s innovation sees tennis played on a smaller court, with foam balls and a focus on touch and skill rather than pace and power. You need to outmanoeuvre your opponent and try to emerge victorious at the end of what can seem like mammoth rallies.
 
You play, it seems, and you get addicted. The game&rsquo;s promoters point to the way it levels the playing field not only between abilities but between the sexes. And what could be more satisfying than challenging your other half or a smug work colleague to something you actually have a chance of beating them at?
The rules follow a similar pattern to tennis but it&rsquo;s a little more intense as there are regulations like having to hit the ball once you&rsquo;ve thrown it up for a serve and there&rsquo;s no such thing as a let if your ball clips the net and cruelly dribbles over to the other side.
But my favourite rule, and mainly because I know it will annoy the most people, is that you are actively encouraged to grunt to put off your opponent. Can you imagine how good Maria Sharapova and co would be at this game??
You can&rsquo;t get too carried away though. The integrity of the sport is protected with the rule that stipulates any audible obscenity means an immediate point penalty. And three strikes and you&rsquo;re out.
 
Talk of touchtennis is rife at the National Tennis Centre at the moment with the LTA colleague competition scheduled to take place next week. The battle of the brains of British Tennis will reach epic proportions as we wait with baited breath to see who comes out on top. Will it be Comms or the TF, Finance or Player Support? 
Whatever the outcome you can be sure this won&rsquo;t be the last you hear about touchtennis.  
Click to watch the guys in action.You can find out more about Touch Tennis here - http://www.touchtennis.com/rules.aspx By Holly Hamilton, Tennis Foundation]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=112]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=112</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-07-23T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Celebrating Tennis Scholarships at Victoria Park Community Tennis Centre]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Epark member and Beacon site, Victoria Park Community Tennis Centre, a joint venture between Victoria Park Tennis and Salisbury District Council's Parks Section, has informed epark that three year 7 tennis juniors from Salisbury deserve our congratulations. Kamil Wojak, Hannah Richards and Izzy Dickson were selected from 66 other worthy candidates and awarded tennis scholarships in late June at the free event sponsored by Wood BMW.Sue Mappin, head of the Tennis Foundation, presented the winners with their prizes, which included free coaching sessions for a year, a sponsored Head tennis racket and membership to the three main tennis clubs in Salisbury, on their trip to the Championships at Wimbledon. Though there could only be 3 scholars on the day, all who took part were winners as all the children were given free membership to Victoria Park Community Tennis Centre and a free tennis coaching session. Victoria Park Community Tennis Centre aims to provide a wide range of tennis activities and coaching available to all sections of the community on a pay and play or membership basis. All standards are welcome. Victoria Park Tennis has been established in the area for the past 15 years, coaching at various venues including tennis clubs, schools and private courts, either on an individual or group basis and ranging from beginner to national level. The Centre boasts a pavilion complete with refreshment area, changing facilities, toilets and showers, six tennis courts, four of which are floodlit, and a crazy golf course. All of the facilities are available on a 'Pay and Play' or a membership basis.Find out more on their website: www.victoriaparktennis.org.uk or contact the club by email vptennis@tiscali.co.uk, or phone 01722415089.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=113]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=113</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-07-23T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Tennis Foundation helps service men & women 'Battle Back' at RAF Halton]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[On Monday 19 July, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, who is Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association, met injured service men and women at RAF Halton tennis centre, in honour of the forging of a partnership between the Ministry of Defence&rsquo;s &lsquo;Battle Back&rsquo; programme and the Tennis Foundation.Battle Back was launched in 2008. It is not a charity but an MOD initiative that exists to ensure that the seriously injured have access to the same opportunities in sport and adventurous training that are currently available to the able bodied.Around 30 servicemen and women at different stages of rehabilitation, were given an opportunity to try out tennis at the launch, not only as an aid to their recovery but in the hope that they would consider longer term involvement in the sport.Click here to read the full article on the LTA website.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=114]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=114</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-07-26T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[epark LOVES the Hylands newsletter!]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[epark has just received a lovely newsletter from Giorgio at Hylands tennis site, a Beacon and epark member. Giorgio, the tennis world's answer to Steven Spielberg, has uploaded several short videos to YouTube, the latest, a 3-part piece called 'There's something about Hylands', contains brief interviews with children who play at Hylands, interspersed with some impressive rallies and initial participation queries from parents.Click here to watch part 1Click here to watch part 2Click here to watch part 3epark especially likes Alan in video no.2 who double checks with his T-shirt before confirming the name of the tennis site!epark would also like to share with you Hylands' 'Mamas, Papas &amp; Coaches' video, which demonstrates really well what community tennis is all about. Click here to watch.Hylands is a Community Amateur Sports Club offering tennis coaching and playing. It operates outdoor, without a club house, at Hylands Park in Hornchurch (London Borough of Havering) Essex.
Membership is available, while non members can use the courts on a pay and play basis. An extensive Grass Roots Programme is run all year around in the Park together with an Indoor Mini Tennis Academy at a local secondary school.
The Club is affiliated to the LTA and it has enjoyed Club to Schools Link Status with the ECLTA since 1996. Therefore, mini tennis starter classes are made available to a number of selected schools and secondary schools have priority booking rights during curriculum time.During May to July Social Tennis is run on Wednesdays from 18.30 to 20.00 hrs. This activity is open to members and non members alike on a pay and play basis.
The club runs the Jack Petchey Foundation silver scheme. For more information, contact: hylandscasc@talktalk.net]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=115]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-27T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[Tennis for ALL:  Deaf Tennis Festival & Tennis for the Visually Impaired]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[Epark is happy to announce that on 19 Aug 2010, St George&rsquo;s College, Surrey, will be hosting the Deaf Tennis Festival.
View on map
The Tennis Foundation and British Deaf Tennis have joined in partnership with the Me2 Project to produce a free fun day out for deaf tennis fans of age 7 years or more.
Whether you use BSL, SSE or speech, all needs will be catered for and all coaching will be led by deaf and hearing coaches. What&rsquo;s more, as an added bonus, Deaflympic Tennis players will be coming down to tell you what it's like to represent your country!
Sign up now at http://youngpeople.ndcsbuzz.org.uk/go.php?structureID=events&amp;ref=E4C3F031814676!
Epark would also like to tell you all a bit about tennis for the visually impaired. In January 2007 Soundball Tennis was introduced to the UK from Japan. Since then, British Blind Sport has introduced the game to a number of visually impaired young people across the country and the first visually impaired people, Amanda Green and Odette Battarel, qualified as LTA Level One and Level Two coaches respectively. 
The audible ball has meant that visually impaired children can now join in a racket sport along with their sighted siblings and friends. British Blind Sport has been working with The Tennis Foundation to develop the game so that more blind and visually impaired people can enjoy tennis.
Singles and doubles matches can be played. Adaptations to the game include the server asking their opponent if they are &lsquo;ready?&rsquo; and calling out &lsquo;play&rsquo; when the ball is served. A visually impaired player can have two bounces before hitting a return, or three bounces if they are totally blind.
For further information about the game contact either The Tennis Foundation or Alan Whetherly at British Blind Sport, alan@britishblindsport.org.uk]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=116]]></link>
	<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=116</guid>
	<dc:date>2010-07-28T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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	<title><![CDATA[All Star Youth Tennis Scholarship Trust (ASYTS)]]></title>
	<description><![CDATA[A friend and fan of epark spotted this in this month's Putney &amp; Barnes Time &amp; Leisure and we thought it ought to be shared with our online tennis community.The All Star Youth Tennis Scholarship Trust (ASYTS) was set up in Spain in 2006. The inspiration for the Trust came in the form of Sebastian Wray, a devotee to Wandsworth Tennis Centre, who, having been spotted playing by a Spanish semi-professional and coach, was put forward for a placement at a Spanish Tennis Academy. In 2008, he became the first beneficiary of the Trust and studied at a Tennis Academy in Barcelona. This is seen by the Trust as the first of many one-off grants to young people who have shown promise and dedication to tennis, giving them an opportunity they may not have had otherwise to develop a career in tennis, whether as a playing professional or a coach. It is also hoped that those young people will return to Wandsworth Tennis Centre on a regular basis, to pass on what they have learnt to other young people in Wandsworth.Help the Trust by sending a donation, using where possible the Gift Aid Declaration, to: Noah&rsquo;s Ark, Mill Street, Boltonsborough, Glastonbury, BA6 8RJ. Or call 020 8871 4706 for more info.]]></description>
	<link><![CDATA[http://www.eparktennis.com//content/blog_read.asp?ID=117]]></link>
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	<dc:date>2010-07-29T0:0:1+00:00</dc:date> 
	<dc:creator>ePark</dc:creator>
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