Judy Murray considers that UK tennis federations need to do "much more"
Judy Murray -- famous tennis personality and mother of Andy and Jamie Murray -- thinks that tennis federations in the United Kingdom still need to the “much more” to foster younger talents, “Our pool is very small so it’s easy to become a big fish in a small pool. Developing a player is an expensive business and that rules out most families. Tennis must grow the numbers (players, clubs, competitions) significantly and locally to make the journey work.”
However, in the Scot coach’s opinion, tennis encouragement should not be restricted to youth only. “We need to do much more [to get over-50s people involved in tennis to help their overall health & fitness]. Tennis has tended to focus most of its efforts on attracting very young kids. It’s a sport for life and attracts both genders so I’m always promoting it to adults. And as an over 50 myself, I can identify!!”
When asked to share her ideas relative to expanding the tennis involvement in the United Kingdom, Murray answered, “Providing more places to play in public parks and state schools, AND local people to drive regular activity on them. Getting clubs and fee-paying schools to open their courts to the local community. And building a bigger, stronger workforce to teach basics and started competitions. The two go hand in hand. Facilities are one thing but they need PIED PIPER people driving tennis activity to bring them to life.” To individuals in general, she advises, “Make it fun, doable, affordable, accessible. We are competing with so many things for people time now. We have to work harder than ever to grow.”
Judy Murray is a trustee of her homologue foundation, which aims to "bring tennis into rural and disadvantaged areas in Scotland," as stated on the foundation's website.
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2ObhWtN
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