Sefton Council is hoping to get more people serving aces across the borough with the launch of a dedicated website .



From those who used to fancy themselves as a John McEnroe or a Billie Jean King, to those who dream of being the next Andy Murray or Serena Williams, courts across Sefton are open to everyone, of all ages and all standards.

Tennis courts are located in five of the boroughs parks, including Coronation Park, Crosby, Maghull Town Hall and Victoria Park, Southport.

The new website, launched in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association, offers something for everyone, including advice, court booking and information on local leagues.

The Sefton Tennis League is great way to play friendly competitive singles matches, improve skills and meet new people. Players are organised into groups of a similar level and matches are arranged at a mutually convenient time.

Plus, with a prize on offer for group winners and a free can of balls for completing three matches there is a reward for all competitors.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Tennis is a fantastic sport and we always see a bit more activity on our courts around Wimbledon.

“Hopefully with the launch of the website and our partnership work with the LTA, we will see an increase throughout the summer months and beyond.

“I would encourage everyone, from seasoned players to those completely new to the sport, to log on and get involved.”

For more information, visit seftonparkstennis.co.uk

While initiatives such as this should be applauded, Sefton Council could and should be doing much much more to help local sport.

There is a severe lack of facilities in the town, trying to book a sports hall in town during the week is incredibly difficult as the facilities are nearly always fully booked.

The council is crucifying local football teams in terms of pitches as well.

The tennis courts off Rotten Row are a mess. My sons used to go there and try to play tennis and find they were practically always full (not enough of them for the area). Sefton Council have neglected the youth in Southport when it comes to providing good quality, free sports facilities. When my son used to play for the local teams they always had to play on fields that were nothing but mud baths and full of dog muck (Meols Cop was the worst for this - I even had to tell a man to pick his dog muck up as he let it foul right next to the pitch the boys were playing on). It's all very well spending all kinds on the play area in King's Gardens, which is great for the younger children (and used by visitors to the area too), but what about facilities for teenagers who live in the area?