There are a few things myself and the children like, they often include sport and I like to be thrifty. This is why in the past I have written about free tennis weekends. As a family we have made use of these taster sessions both at our local park and also at the local tennis centre. Chloe has played for the school team and Dyl too likes playing and wants to play more.
We are lucky to have two outdoor courts in our park which is a mere two minutes away from our house. Therefore Chloe and Dylan often pop round in the evenings to play. I love that it is free and a great way to exercise. It is not just the children that use these facilities both Lee and I play with the children there too.
I have written before about ditching expensive gym memberships and keeping fit and healthy on a budget and with opportunities like this it can be done. Again at the moment there are opportunities to enjoy Great British Tennis Weekend and I firmly believe that children should take up offers like this as you never know what is going to become a favourite or where their talents lie. My children have ticked off so many sports between them, some they like others they don’t but unless you try you will never know.
Last week I watched both Erin and Dylan take to the water to experience new sports and Dyl, much to his own surprise I think, loved sailing. He was soon guiding the topper boat with enthusiasm and confidence. Chloe is much the same and this week is experiencing the delights of a range of sports in Ardeche with the school PE department. I am proud that they give things a try take the time Chloe went caving, she soon decided it wasn’t for her, she prefers dashing about but she knows that because she tried.
On holiday last week Dyl asked if he could have a tennis lesson. I duly booked and paid for him to have 30 mins coaching. He played in the belting heat with sweat dripping from his face. He practised serving, volleys and rallies. He was taught skills that he can now put into practice when playing in the park with his sister.
I was amazed at how much effort he put in for that coaching in that heat. As he left the court he announced that he would be joining the tennis club at his new secondary school and I am delighted. Not because I expect him to be our next Wimbledon star but because I know it will help him in the transition from primary to secondary. It will be a way to make new friends and it will be good socially for him as he can be quite quiet. This one off lesson gave him some confidence and skills that he can now use in the park.
The photos are from our recent holiday to Corsica where we stayed at San Lucianu Beach Resort with Mark Warner. Tennis courts and rackets are available to use and I paid for an additional coaching one to one session.
Leave a Reply