Tennis for Tots

‘Tis the season of strawberries, cream and killer serves.

With the start of Wimbledon, my 5-year-old has switched his sporting allegiance from football to tennis.

Ok, so Ezra hasn’t exactly given up on footie but he is back on Wii tennis (it was all about Mario Kart for months) and I’ve promised him real lessons over the summer holidays.

When it comes to grooming a future tennis pro, the key is to start ’em young. In NYC, babes as young as 2 are working out their tantrums in true McEnroe style at Bumblebee Tennis camps around the boroughs.

Here are some spots in London where your mini Nadal or Williams can practise their swing thing.

Tennis for Under 5s in London

Islington Tennis Centre, Market Rd, N7
Mini Tennis sessions for ages 3 to 5 and Munchkins Tennis for ages 4 through 11 (Tue &Thu pm/Sat am).

Will to Win Juniors, varying locations (including Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Chiswick and Ealing)
Check out the Red programme for kids aged 8 and under.

London Tennis Academy, Globe Lawn Tennis Club, Haverstock Hill, NW3
Summer courses and camps for ages 3 and up.

Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W8
Junior Tennis 6 weeks for ages 3 to 5 and Future Tennis 5 weeks for 3 to 11.

Westway Sports Centre, 1 Crowthorne Rd, W10 (Latimer Rd tube)
A range of options including Pay & Play sessions for ages 4+.

Teddy Tennis in West London (Holland Park, W8 and Nuffield Kensington Sports Centre, Walmer Rd in W11)
Franchise running 12 week sessions for ages 3 and a half upwards.

Annabel Croft Tennis Academy in SW London (National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, Priory Lane, SW15 and Wimbledon Park, SW19)
Term time courses and holiday camps aimed at ages 4 to 17.