Salford Community Leisure (SCL) are proud to announce the launch of a brand new inclusive tennis programme, allowing Salford young people the opportunity to find a new pathway into sport.
The free programme has been funded by the LTA Tennis Foundation and will be run by SCL’s Active Communities team. There will be weekly tennis sessions at three locations across Salford, and will be available to children and young people from across Salford including those with special educational needs, enabling tennis to become more accessible in the city.
Salford faces a severe shortage of accessible tennis opportunities, for many reasons such as cost, lack of facilities, and limited structured coaching pathways. This programme aims to break those barriers and will empower young people to develop new skills, improve health, and challenge traditional perceptions of tennis.
Only 37% of children in the city meet recommended daily exercise levels, significantly lower than the previous year’s, leading to declining physical and mental wellbeing. Programmes such as these are integral to keep our young people active and encourage them to find a passion in new hobbies and interests.
The sessions will start in January 2026 and will be held in Eccles, Ordsall and Walkden. There will also be free Tennis holiday clubs run in the school holidays.
Steve Hassall, Salford Community Leisure CEO said;
“By working with the LTA and LTA Tennis Foundation, and being able to provide free tennis sessions, and tailored holiday programmes we hope to increase participation, improve health, and provide a structured, inclusive pathway into the sport. Removing financial and social barriers, will help more young people in Salford stay active, develop skills, and thrive. Our long-term vision is to establish a thriving tennis programme that continues to grow and reach more young people across the city. We aim to help those who find a passion for the sport to explore opportunities that may not have been available otherwise.”
Salford Community Leisure will also be also investing in their workforce, providing LTA Level 1 and 2 coaching qualifications for local staff and volunteers, along with SEND-specific coaching training to ensure inclusive and accessible provision for all participants.
Salford Community Leisure look forward to working with the LTA Tennis Foundation over the next three years to get more children in Salford playing Tennis, keeping active, and developing new opportunities.
| Day | Time | Venue |
| Tuesday | 4:00 – 4:45pm | Eccles Leisure Centre |
| Wednesday | 6:00 – 6:45pm | Ordsall Leisure Centre |
Sessions will also be held in Walkden, more details TBC.
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