Get ready for a day of free tennis fun as Barclays Big Tennis Weekend comes to Derby on Saturday 17 May.

The event at Alvaston Park will feature coaching sessions, games and competitions for all ages. It’s the perfect chance to give tennis a go and have a great time with friends and family. Rackets and tennis balls are provided, so anyone can come along and play.

The event is part of a national Barclays Big Tennis Weekend campaignOpens in new tab promoted by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) taking place all over Britain, encouraging thousands of people to head to their local tennis courts for free.  

Alvaston Park’s tennis courts were refurbished in 2023, benefiting from a full resurface with new paint and lines, new tennis nets and the introduction of an improved court booking procedure with gate-access systems. Derby City Council worked on the project in partnership with the LTA, as part of a national programme managed by the LTA and supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation. Courts at Markeaton Park and King George V Playing Fields were also improved.

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities. 

The sessions at Alvaston ParkOpens in new tab on 17 May are:

  • 9am-10am LTA Youth Sessions – LTA Youth is for kids aged four to nine, who are new to tennis. Coaches will help teach kids new life skills, developing them as both players and people.
  • 10am-11am Family Sessions – Get on court with your family and have some fun. Modified balls and rackets will be provided for the younger ones and coaches will be on hand to offer some pointers.
  • 11am-12pm Teenager and Adult Coaching – Try a coaching taster session, ideal for people new to the sport or who haven’t picked up a racket in a long time. Rackets can be borrowed if you don’t have your own, just come prepared to hit a few balls and have some fun.

Following the Big Tennis Weekend, the courts will host Barclays Free Park Tennis sessionsOpens in new tab, while Derby’s Barclays Local Tennis LeagueOpens in new tab gives people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Community Safety and Leisure, said:

Derby is thrilled to be hosting the Barclays Big Tennis Weekend at Alvaston Park on Saturday 17 May. This fantastic free event offers a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to experience the joy of tennis. 

Whether you're a complete beginner, a family looking for a fun activity, or a teenager or adult wanting to try coaching, there's something for everyone.

We're proud to be working with the LTA to bring this national campaign to our city, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles within our community. Come along, have some fun, and maybe even discover a new passion for tennis!

The Big Tennis Weekend will take place on Saturday 17 May at Alvaston Park, Meadow Lane, Alvaston, Derby DE24 8QQ. Book you free session onlineOpens in new tab.

The courts at Alvaston Park can be booked via the LTA websiteOpens in new tab. A small fee applies to ensure the courts are maintained to a high standard. The LTA and the Council are working together to ensure Barclays Free Park tennis sessions are available on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.