WHAT IS FREE PARK TENNIS?
Free Park Tennis is a programme that offers free tennis sessions to players of all ages and skill levels. These sessions are designed to be accessible to everyone, attracting players who are unable to pay for coaching sessions or court bookings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS for Free Parks Tennis (FPT) – Participants
What is Free Parks Tennis (FPT)? Free Parks Tennis (FPT) is a program that offers free tennis sessions to players of all ages and skill levels. These sessions are designed to be accessible to everyone, attracting players who are unable to pay for coaching sessions or court bookings.
Who runs the FPT sessions? FPT sessions are run by a minimum of two trained and enhanced DBS/PVG-checked Activators. These Activators are volunteers who have completed an online training course and are responsible for delivering engaging tennis sessions in the parks.
When and where are the FPT sessions held? FPT sessions are delivered weekly on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00. They take place in parks that have a minimum of two or three tennis courts, depending on the park’s size.
Can children under 8 years old participate? FPT sessions are primarily designed for players aged 8 years and over. However, children under 8 can still attend the sessions when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
How do I book a session? To book a session, you can use the ClubSpark platform or the LTA online booking platform. Simply find your nearest FPT session and reserve your spot.
Do I need to bring my own tennis equipment? No, you don’t need to bring your own equipment. FPT provides minimal equipment required to deliver the session, including racquets, mini tennis balls, barrier tape, markers, and a clipboard. This allows players to try tennis without the need to buy equipment in advance.
Can I participate if I’m not a skilled tennis player? Absolutely! FPT Participants do not need to be skilled tennis players. The most important qualities are good communication and organizational skills, as well as being great with people and fun.
Can I volunteer to become an Activator? Yes, if you’re 18 years or older and interested in becoming an Activator, you can volunteer to deliver FPT sessions. The program provides support to recruit, train, and guide Activators to ensure engaging sessions.
Do Activators need to undergo a background check? Yes, all Activators need to go through a volunteer Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If an Activator does not already have an LTA DBS check, they can obtain one via the LTA site.
FPT Activator
What is Free Parks Tennis (FPT)? Free Parks Tennis (FPT) is a program that offers free tennis sessions to players of all ages and skill levels. These sessions are designed to be accessible to everyone, attracting players who are unable to pay for coaching sessions or court bookings.
Who runs the FPT sessions? FPT sessions are run by a minimum of two trained and enhanced DBS/PVG-checked Activators. These Activators are volunteers who have completed an online training course and are responsible for delivering engaging tennis sessions in the parks.
When and where are the FPT sessions held? FPT sessions are delivered weekly on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10:00 to 11:00. They take place in parks that have a minimum of two or three tennis courts, depending on the park’s size.
Can children under 8 years old participate? FPT sessions are primarily designed for players aged 8 years and over. However, children under 8 can still attend the sessions when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Can I become and Activator if I am not a skilled tennis player? Absolutely! FPT Activators do not need to be skilled tennis players. The most important qualities are good communication and organizational skills, as well as being great with people and fun.
Can I volunteer to become an Activator? Yes, if you’re 18 years or older and interested in becoming an Activator, you can volunteer to deliver FPT sessions. The program provides support to recruit, train, and guide Activators to ensure engaging sessions.
How can local authorities get involved in offering targeted sessions? Operators can liaise with local authorities to identify opportunities for offering targeted sessions beyond the regular FPT sessions. This can enhance community engagement and attract players from diverse backgrounds.
Is there any promotional support for operators? Yes, operators can access downloadable resources from mytennistoolkit.com, including templates for social media, email banners, and posters. This helps operators promote FPT sessions and build their volunteer workforce.
Is FPT available nationwide? Yes, FPT provides a uniform and consistent product that can be advertised nationally, similar to ParkRun. This allows players across the country to easily find and attend their nearest FPT session.
What does the training for Free Park Tennis Activators involve? The training for Free Park Tennis Activators is a free, online course that lasts approximately 2-3 hours. The course covers various elements, including session content, organization, safeguarding, and inclusion to equip the Activators with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Is there any practical training involved for new Activators? Yes, after completing the online training, all new Activators are required to complete one session shadowing a coach or an existing Activator. This hands-on experience will help them gain practical insights before leading their own session.
Do Activators need to undergo a background check? Yes, all Activators need to go through a volunteer Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If an Activator does not already have an LTA DBS check, they can obtain one via the LTA site.
What will be the role of Free Park Tennis Activators? Activators will be part of a small team of volunteers responsible for delivering weekly sessions. A minimum of two Activators will be required to run each session.
What are the responsibilities of Activators during the sessions? Activators will be responsible for completing registers on the ClubSpark platform, where participants can book their slots. They will also assist in directing “Walk Ins” to the platform for registration. Additionally, Activators will help ensure that the required equipment is in the correct location each week for the smooth running of the sessions.
What equipment will be provided for the sessions? Every park delivering Free Park Tennis will receive an equipment bag containing racquets, a mix of mini tennis balls, barrier tape, markers, and a clipboard. This equipment is essential for delivering engaging sessions.
Will Activators receive any recognition for their role? Yes, all trained Activators will receive an LTA Free Park Tennis hoodie upon completion of their training course and DBS check. This serves as recognition for their commitment and dedication to the program.
Will there be ongoing support and resources for Activators? Yes, there will be ongoing support and resources for Activators. They will have access to a free online resource area with downloadable content, allowing them to learn new games and keep their session plans fresh.
How can operators promote Free Park Tennis and build their workforce? Operators can download editable resources from mytennistoolkit.com, including templates for social media, email banners, and posters. This will aid in promoting the volunteer Activator opportunity and help build a strong workforce for the program.
