tournaments

Initially it started in Dublin in l977 from an idea brought back from the U.S. by Tom Shelly, a former Fitzwilliam U.l7 Champion.   Together with his Father, Seamus and other socially interested and tennis orientated individuals, and the financial support of the then Dublin Corporation, it was launched in 7 areas in the City with 700 children involved. Some years later the programme expanded to other provincial areas. Today around 26,000 children take part in a nationwide programme operated by 330 coaches and assistants at l58 venues. Squad coaching for the more talented players is provided in Dublin and Cork. A number of these players have gone on to play at the highest national level. Their achievements include winning the Fitzwilliam Junior National Championships.

 

Parks programmes operate in many Leinster counties, including Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Meath, Westmeath, Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, Laois, Wexford and Offaly. Although it started on tennis courts in public parks and community facilities, many private clubs, holiday complexes and hotels now share their courts with the local community for the purpose of the scheme. Participating clubs must allow non-member children from all social backgrounds to be involved.

 

The main programme takes place over 4/5 weeks in the summer. Times and duration may change from one location to another to suit the local needs. Each session ends with a tournament for participating children. In some areas of Dublin the programme provides an all year round service with coaching during the three school terms, autumn, spring and after Easter.