Former British tennis number one Tim Henman says it is vital that young children have the opportunity to get involved in his beloved sport.
Henman visited Sutton Tennis & Squash Club on Tuesday for a day of training with young children to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
The four-time Wimbledon semi –finalist also wants youngsters to get involved in tennis at their local clubs.
He said: “Me being here isn’t about trying to produce a Wimbledon champion - it’s about accessibility and opportunity.
“That is a big part of British tennis and we need to do it better, we need to get more kids playing the game and it’s a great game, there’s a healthy aspect it.
“Kids out exercising, having fun and we need more of these types of tennis clubs. It’s a great facility and there’s not a massive amount of space, but they really utilise it.”
The former world number four, who was joined by Andy Murray’s former coach Miles Maclagan, wants communities to do all they can to encourage children to play.
The 40-year-old added: “You want more and more tennis clubs getting involved in the community and getting more and more kids playing.
“There’s some that have never played before and some really good players out there, but again it’s about getting them on court and making sure they have a good time.
“Those are the two messages – have fun and give it your best shot.”
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