CHILDREN ACROSS Argyll and Bute are set to benefit from a major roll-out of a national schools tennis programme, from the Scottish Government.
The initiative is designed to give every pupil the chance to pick up a racket and play.
The scheme, known as LTA Youth Schools, is being expanded with £1M of new funding and will be delivered in partnership by the Lawn Tennis Association, Tennis Scotland, sportscotland, and the LTA Tennis Foundation.
It means schools across the area will be offered free resources, training and equipment to help introduce pupils to the sport, regardless of their background or ability.
For many children in rural parts of Argyll and Bute, opportunities to try different sports can be limited. The expansion of tennis into schools aims to break down those barriers by making the game more accessible, while encouraging young people to enjoy the physical and social benefits of being active.
Over the past five years, Scotland has seen a 20 per cent rise in junior participation in tennis, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport. Organisers say the schools programme will build on this momentum, inspiring more young people to play and laying the foundations for healthy, active lifestyles.
Local MSP Jenni Minto welcomed the news, she said: “We all know what an important role sport can play in improving our physical and mental wellbeing, so I am delighted that children in Argyll and Bute will have the opportunity to try tennis.
“The popularity of the sport in Scotland has grown in recent years, with young people inspired by the fantastic achievements of players including Gordon Reid, Maia Lumsden, Anna Brogan, and, of course, the Murray brothers.
“This initiative, supported with funding from the SNP Government, will help to bring down barriers to participation, ensuring that children from all backgrounds will have the opportunity to take part in the sport.
“The impact of initiatives like these can already be seen with more and more children playing tennis across Scotland. Who knows, maybe we will have a Wimbledon champion from Argyll and Bute to celebrate in the future.”
