There’s something about summer and tennis that makes you want to have a go. Maybe it’s watching incredible rallies, maybe it’s seeing the local courts a little busier than usual or maybe it’s simply spending more time outdoors. Whatever the reason, this is often the time of year that children discover a love of the game.
Not every child who picks up a racquet dreams of Centre Court – and they don’t need to. Tennis offers more than competition. It’s a chance to build confidence, learn new skills, make friends and discover a sport they can enjoy for years to come, whatever their ability.
Every player starts somewhere
It’s easy to look at the world’s top players and imagine they’ve always been destined for greatness. In reality, every tennis journey starts with a first lesson.
That’s something we know first-hand at David Lloyd Clubs.
Current world No. 1 doubles player Henry Patten began his tennis journey with our Tennis Stars programme at David Lloyd Ipswich. Since then, he’s gone on to become a Wimbledon champion and the world’s best doubles player.
He’s not the only success story. Luke Johnson, now a top-100 doubles player, also developed his game through our Tennis Stars programme before competing on the sport’s biggest stages. Mees Röttgering refined his skills at our Eindhoven Club before becoming the world’s No. 1 ranked junior player.
These achievements are something we’re incredibly proud of, and they all began in exactly the same place: a child discovering that they loved playing tennis.
It’s about enjoying the game first
Of course, not every child wants to become a professional player.
For most children, tennis is simply a fantastic way to build confidence, develop coordination, learn resilience and enjoy being active. They’ll celebrate their first rally, make new friends and experience the satisfaction that comes from learning something new.
That’s why our Tennis Stars programme focuses on helping children develop at their own pace in a supportive, encouraging environment, whether they’re picking up a racquet for the very first time or already love spending every spare minute on court.
Supporting every stage of the journey
For children who discover a real passion and talent for tennis, there are opportunities to progress even further.
This year, we launched our new Rising Stars training camps in partnership with our ambassador Judy Murray, bringing together some of our most promising young players for regional coaching and development days.
Today, around 15% of the UK’s top 100 ranked under-12 and under-14 players are members at David Lloyd Clubs, and we’re proud to support young players as they continue to develop their game.
The next chapter starts with one lesson
Whether your child dreams of playing competitively or simply wants to try something new, every tennis journey starts the same way: by stepping onto court for the first time.
And who knows? A summer spent watching the tennis could be the start of a lifelong love of the game.
17,000 kids learn tennis with us on a weekly basis. Could your child be one of them? If they’re ready to give it a try, discover our Tennis Stars programme and find coaching for every age and ability at your local David Lloyd Club.
Find a club
