LEIGHTON LINSLADE SCHOOLS SERVE UP SUCCESS

Dozens of local youngsters will have an “ace” time as part of the annual Mixed Tennis Festival at Leighton Buzzard Tennis Club during National School Sports Week (this Thursday 9 July at 2.45pm, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1RX).

The energy will be high, and the racquets swinging as pupils from Beaudesert, Clipstone Brook, Dovery Academy, Heathwood, Kensworth, Mary Bassett, Rushmere Academy, St Leonards and Stanbridge lower schools take part in the action-packed Leighton Linslade tennis tournament.

Young athletes will be put through their paces by an expert team of coaches, with activities inspired by the Lawn Tennis Association’s official Primary Skills Festival guide.

From skills challenges and PE-style activities to simple matches and rallies, the festival is designed so newcomers and more experienced players can all get involved.

Kicking off the afternoon session, Alex Mayer MP will present every player with a certificate for taking part. Plus, she will help older pupils on the lookout for young players showing special “school games values” such as honesty, passion, self-respect and belief, with awards handed out on the day.

In preparation for the festival, Leighton Middle’s young sports leaders received expert training to give them the skills and confidence to help deliver some of the activities on the day.

It’s all part of the Schools Games Programme run by the Leighton Linslade School Sports Partnership bringing together all local primary, secondary and special schools in Leighton Buzzard and Linslade to boost sports opportunities for local youngsters.

Alex Mayer MP said: “With Wimbledon now well underway, it is fantastic to see so many enthusiastic local youngsters taking part in this year’s Leighton Linslade Tennis Festival.

“It is great to see so many youngsters picking up a racquet, including some for the very first time. This is all about helping young people learn new skills, have fun and actually enjoy being active. That is so important when it comes to boosting young people’s physical as well as mental health.

“A big thank you to the Leighton Linslade School Sports Partnership, the coaches and the young leaders at Leighton Middle School for putting on such a brilliant event for everyone to enjoy.”

Studies show physically active children are happier and more confident.

National School Sports Week ends on Sunday 12 July.