Anyone for tennis?

Gareth Haddon, who played the sport for Derbyshire, is taking the girls through the basics of the glorious game to see if he can unearth another Wimbledon champion.

Every Wednesday morning the LPS pupils enjoy a special coaching session where they learn the skills of the sport.

Gareth, who coaches all ages and ability levels for the two Manchester based David Lloyd centres, said: “It's about creating a spark and sheer enthusiasm for the game. The sooner you can develop their hand eye coordination the better, because its becomes second nature as the child matures and develops physically.”

He added: “Tennis can be quite an expensive sport the better you become, but for a novice all you need is two racquets and some balls. You don’t even need a net because you can use anything really.”

He added: “The secret to success is child's play. Get them to hit some balls; the more you hit the better they will become.

Gareth is set up ACE coaching to work with junior schools across the North-West and added: “I love the sport; and want to pass that on to the next generation. If we find a champion then fantastic, but it's really about developing a life long passion for a wonderful sport.”