LTA launches campaign to encourage more people into tennis than ever before

Today, the LTA with support from Tennis Wales launch ‘U IN? ?’, a rallying call-to-arms to people of all ages, sizes, cultures, and skills, to get outside and play tennis.

After a year where more people have picked up tennis rackets than ever before, the LTA aims to trigger a nationwide chain reaction, inspiring the public to take up tennis wherever they can, by seeing the entire world as their court. The LTA experienced a 327% increase in court bookings at the start of last summer compared to previous years, with demand continuing to grow in 2021.

Wales saw a dramatic increase in participation, with bookings across parks and clubs welcoming over 130,000 adults to pick up a racket in last year.

Simon Johnson, Tennis Wales CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting the LTA with this campaign launch, and hope it encourages people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds to give tennis a go this summer.

“With Wimbledon just around the corner, we’re already anticipating an uplift in tennis interest – and hope this campaign welcomes even more people across Wales to pick up a racket.

“With 1,200 tennis courts in our network of clubs, parks and indoor centres, communities across the country can access tennis whether they’ve played since they could walk or they’re trying it out for the first time.”

Starring Chunkz, the ‘U IN? ?’ UK-wide campaign aims to introduce a new audience of sports fans to tennis. In addition to the launch film, the LTA will be supporting the British public with the means to play tennis anywhere and everywhere across the summer, calling upon the nation to play whenever and wherever with a new initiative called ‘Everything’s a Net’.

The campaign follows the LTA’s refreshed commitment to tennis, part of their ‘Play Your Way’ ethos which launched last summer. ‘Play Your Way’ is designed to challenge the misconceptions of tennis and instead make it an inclusive invitation to people of all abilities everywhere to pick up a racket and have some fun.

Richard Daish, Marketing and Commercial Director, LTA said, “After launching our brand platform ‘Play Your Way’ last year, ‘U, IN? ?’ will help accelerate LTA’s efforts to open tennis up. The campaign is fully inclusive and leads with a clear invitation to people of all backgrounds and skill levels, to get out there this summer and socialise again through playing tennis their way!”

So, U IN? ? book a local court or coach at the nearest park or club via lta.org.uk/rally

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