What if I book an organised sporting activity and don't turn up, or if I need to cancel at the last minute?

Different rules for camps and courses apply, according to the circumstances. Please refer to our Cancellations and Refund Policy .

Can my child go home by themselves at the end of an activity?

Children cannot leave any Park Sports venue by themselves unless you provide us with prior written consent.

What should I do if my child requires medication?

Please ensure the coach is made aware of your child's medication needs and bring it along with you. Please note we are not permitted by law to administer any medication. If your child cannot administer their own medication, please speak to the venue before attending.

My child now has a clash in their school schedule with the course dates, can I postpone to next term?

When a course has started unfortunately not. However, we can try to move the child to a different course at the same level during another weekday if available.

Do you have waiting lists for youth courses?

Yes, if our youth courses are fully booked, you can join our waiting lists or sign up to our emails to receive the latest news and offers.

How do the waiting lists work?

If you join one of our waiting lists, you will be notified by email if a space or suitable alternative becomes available, along with instructions on how to book.

I joined a waiting list, am I guaranteed to get a space?

Due to the popularity at our venues, we cannot guarantee that you will be offered a space. We strongly encourage you to check our website frequently to give yourself the best opportunity to secure one. By signing up to our emails , you will be among the first to know of new courses as soon as they become available to book.

Can I check my progress on a waiting list?

No, but should you find a different activity you wish to book instead we can remove you from the waiting list if you want us to. To do this just let your venue know.

What rackets do you have for sale?

We have a range of tennis rackets to choose from, at competitive prices. At Hyde Park and The Regent's Park we also stock padel rackets. Please contact the venue for more details.

What age can my child start playing tennis?

Our Mini Tennis activities are suitable to introduce children as young as 4 years old to tennis. Tennis Camps and LTA Youth tennis courses are for children aged 4-16.

What size tennis racket should my child use?

The best length of tennis racket for your child will depend on their height. To measure start by getting your child to stand up with both arms down by their side. Get them to hold a racket in their hand so it's pointing downwards. If the tip of the racket reaches their ankle, then it’s the right one! Source: LTA

What clothing and footwear should my child wear?

When it comes to clothes kids can wear whatever they’re most comfortable in really. Just remember they will be active – think shorts, tracksuit bottoms, t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. Keep the jeans and heavy coats at home. Shoes wise, we’d suggest that kids wear a comfortable pair of trainers, as these will stop them from slipping and getting foot and ankle injuries when on the court. During the Summer months please apply a high factor sun lotion. If you are unsure, please contact us before arrival.

What is the minimum age a child can start to play tennis at Park Sports?

Our LTA Youth programme is designed to introduce children as young as four to tennis. Fun, dynamic sessions will help kids get to grips with the basics of the game, improve their co-ordination and make some new friends along the way.

What’s the best age for my kid to start tennis?

Any age is a great age to start playing tennis. It’s never too late to pick up a racket, learn some new skills and improve your fitness – parents, that includes you too! If you’re looking to get your kid into competitive tennis, then the earlier they start the better. If they start later than 4 years of age there’s no reason why they still can’t go on to play competitively, or for fun of course!

Why is tennis good for kids?

Where do we start? Tennis can benefit your kids in so many ways, by providing physical, mental and social skills for life. As well as the obvious fitness training, your child will also: Find their passion and motivation Learn resilience through friendly competition Understand and practise emotional control (no frustrated racket smashes here) Develop respect, communication and teamwork Focus on personal best, not just winning Improve balance, agility and co-ordination Release endorphins and destress Improve focus and reaction times Meet new people and make friends Whether a child is a beginner or a young pro, our coaches will help them become a confident, well-rounded individual, as well as a skilful player.

Is tennis safe for kids?

Tennis as a sport is relatively safe. Of course, there is always a small risk of tripping over or being hit by a ball, but overall the risk of serious injury is minimal. If your child is attending a Park Sports activity, our coaches will make sure they are playing in a safe environment, with the right equipment and to a level that suits their physical ability.

What are the Basic Rules of Tennis?

There are five different ways to win a point in tennis: Opponent hits the ball into the net. Opponent hits the ball outside of the marked area. Opponent serves a double fault (misses 2 serves in a row). The ball bounces twice before your opponent hits it (except for wheelchair players. They have two bounces permitted). Hitting a winning shot that your opponent can't return e.g. an ace. Source: LTA

LTA Youth Tennis

Courses

Park Sports Youth Programme

For children aged 4–16 years, LTA qualified coaches run school term Youth Tennis Courses packed full of fun games and dynamic training.

LTA Stages

Stages are organised by age groups and cater to all abilities, so no one gets left behind. With every LTA Youth stage, kids will be active, having fun and developing skills! Available at Hyde Park, The Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Chiswick, Lammas Park and Pitshanger Park.

LTA Youth Tennis Courses - Blue Stage (4-6 years)

Blue (4-6 years)

This is an introduction to tennis. Here, we’ll help kids improve their balance, agility and co-ordination while teaching them about the sport we love. It’s not about winning or losing, it’s just getting to grips with the basics.

Check availability at:

LTA Youth Tennis Courses - Red Stage (6-8 years)

Red (6-8 years)

This will look a bit more like the tennis you know. You’ll see overarm serves, rallies and volleys. Coaches will help children to further develop their co-ordination, balance and speed. We’ll introduce relaxed competition here too.

Check availability at:

LTA Youth Tennis Courses - Orange Stage (8-9 years)

Orange (8-9 years)

Time to throw in some tactics, problem-solving, and guides to sportsmanship and leadership. Children will know all of the rules and will be serving and returning in matches.

Check availability at:

LTA Youth Tennis Courses - Green Stage (9-10 years)

Green (9-10 years)

This is the big one. It’s time for kids to play on full size courts. Now it’s all about growing their game by ﬁne tuning and reﬁning the techniques they’ve learned so far.

Check availability at:

LTA Youth Tennis Courses - Yellow Stage (10+ years)

Yellow (10+ years)

Time to find your game. Playing on a full size court with the same size balls the pros use, kids will continue to explore different styles on the court, and start to choose their own.

Check availability at:

LTA Youth Tennis Courses — Frequently Asked Questions

View all related FAQs

Browse all our FAQs

What if I book an organised sporting activity and don't turn up, or if I need to cancel at the last minute?
Can my child go home by themselves at the end of an activity?
What should I do if my child requires medication?
My child now has a clash in their school schedule with the course dates, can I postpone to next term?
Do you have waiting lists for youth courses?

How do the waiting lists work?
I joined a waiting list, am I guaranteed to get a space?
Can I check my progress on a waiting list?
What rackets do you have for sale?
What age can my child start playing tennis?
What size tennis racket should my child use?
What clothing and footwear should my child wear?

When it comes to clothes kids can wear whatever they’re most comfortable in really. Just remember they will be active – think shorts, tracksuit bottoms, t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. Keep the jeans and heavy coats at home.
Shoes wise, we’d suggest that kids wear a comfortable pair of trainers, as these will stop them from slipping and getting foot and ankle injuries when on the court. During the Summer months please apply a high factor sun lotion. If you are unsure, please contact us before arrival.
What is the minimum age a child can start to play tennis at Park Sports?
What’s the best age for my kid to start tennis?

Any age is a great age to start playing tennis. It’s never too late to pick up a racket, learn some new skills and improve your fitness – parents, that includes you too!
If you’re looking to get your kid into competitive tennis, then the earlier they start the better. If they start later than 4 years of age there’s no reason why they still can’t go on to play competitively, or for fun of course!
Why is tennis good for kids?
Where do we start? Tennis can benefit your kids in so many ways, by providing physical, mental and social skills for life. As well as the obvious fitness training, your child will also:
- Find their passion and motivation
- Learn resilience through friendly competition
- Understand and practise emotional control (no frustrated racket smashes here)
- Develop respect, communication and teamwork
- Focus on personal best, not just winning
- Improve balance, agility and co-ordination
- Release endorphins and destress
- Improve focus and reaction times
- Meet new people and make friends
Whether a child is a beginner or a young pro, our coaches will help them become a confident, well-rounded individual, as well as a skilful player.
Is tennis safe for kids?
What are the Basic Rules of Tennis?
There are five different ways to win a point in tennis:
1. Opponent hits the ball into the net.
2. Opponent hits the ball outside of the marked area.
3. Opponent serves a double fault (misses 2 serves in a row).
4. The ball bounces twice before your opponent hits it (except for wheelchair players. They have two bounces permitted).
5. Hitting a winning shot that your opponent can't return e.g. an ace.
Source: LTA

Junior Tennis Coaches

Park Sports works with self-employed, highly experienced and professional LTA qualified coaches who deliver all Junior Tennis activities. Coaches ensure every child has the best start to their tennis journey in a safe and inclusive environment.

View all coaches