Tennis for Kids: The LTA 2018 summer programme

Every summer, millions of people love to watch players like Andy Murray and Johanna Konta strive for success at Wimbledon.

But our top players won't be playing forever, and unless more children get involved in the sport, the nation will be left with hardly anyone to cheer for at the big matches.

That's why the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is running the Tennis for Kids programme, offering children aged four to 11 a value-for-money and fun introduction to tennis, including six sessions at a participating local tennis club, a racket, balls and personalised T-shirt, for just £25.

Enrolment has now started for the nationwide scheme, which is in its third year and has already inspired more than 35,000 children to try tennis for the first time. This year, the age groups have been widened and even more tennis clubs throughout the country are taking part.

Former British women's No.1 tennis player Annabel Croft, says: "I'm thrilled that Tennis for Kids is back bigger and better than ever. Demand has been phenomenal over the past two years, and now that the programme is always available, it's great to know more children have the opportunity to play.

"Tennis is a huge part of my life and some of my best memories have been created on court with my husband and children. It really is a sport for all generations, and I hope that by participating in Tennis for Kids, more children fall in love with it."

Alfie Hewett, World No.1 wheelchair tennis player and 2017 Wimbledon Men's Doubles Wheelchair Tennis champion, adds: "I fell in love with the sport at a young age and I'm fortunate that it's led to my career and the friendships I've made along the way.

"Tennis has given me so much, both on and off the court, and I would encourage any child to give Tennis for Kids a go - it's the perfect place to start."

Joss Rae, a former British tennis doubles player, who now coaches tennis, says: "My parents introduced me to tennis when I was young, and I soon became hooked. Now as a coach myself, I'm passionate about getting more children excited and hopefully continuing to play for the rest of their lives."

If you're unsure about whether to get your kids playing tennis properly, leading LTA coach Sam Richardson, who's been coaching tennis for more than 20 years, explains some of the benefits...

1. Physical health benefits

Tennis is the perfect way to encourage children to be active outside and have fun.

"This sport includes a lot of running around and the use of the entire body, and therefore is a great way to tire out energetic kids - it's a great source of exercise for little ones," says Sam.

Tennis is hugely beneficial for cardio health - the constant movement, quick changes in pace and direction (combining anaerobic and aerobic fitness), makes it one of the best workouts for the heart.

The sport increases strength in growing bones and improves reaction times as you dart to hit the incoming ball - this also increases flexibility, since you need to adjust quickly to reach different shots.

It also improves hand-eye co-ordination.

2. Anyone can learn

Children can start learning to play tennis without ever having tried it before. Tennis for Kids courses are designed for children who've never played and each session is fun, with some activities open to parents, too.

"You don't need to be Johanna Konta or Andy Murray to want to pick up a racket - or even need to know who Johanna Konta and Andy Murray are," says Sam.

3. It's relatively injury-free

Tennis is a safe sport for children as it's contact-free, and with coaches on-hand during lessons to teach beginners proper technique and form, there's less chance of injury.

4. Tennis improves the mind as well as the body

Tennis helps players with problem solving and discipline, and teaches them how to work best in a team, listen to directions and play fairly.

"I've also noted that kids are more confident after playing tennis, and that shy kids often come out of their shell after a few lessons," says Sam.

"Tennis sessions teach children how to not only work with a partner, but individually, which helps to encourage good sportsmanship and responsibility, which can sometimes be lost in larger team sports."

5. They'll make new friends

Children learning to play tennis are likely to play with or against children of a similar age, and having fun and playing games with others means many new friendships can be forged on the courts. Parents are also likely to benefit from meeting other parents at the tennis club.

6. It's great for all the family

Tennis is a sport that both adults and children can get involved with, and it can help the whole family come together.

Sam adds: "I love nothing more than seeing families coming out to play tennis, as it's a great game for all generations - it can be rigorous and intense, but also allows you to play at your own pace and ability."