What is Barclays Free Park Tennis?

Barclays Free Parks Tennis (FPT) 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. The 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.

Why should you become a Barclays Free Park Tennis Activator?

Becoming a Barclays Free Park Tennis Activator is hugely rewarding. Your time and effort will make a big difference in people’s lives – helping players of all ages and backgrounds pick up a racket and have fun playing tennis. Not only will you be helping to grow the game and make a real impact in your community, but it’s a great opportunity for you to get out, keep active and enjoy spending time out on court. Working together as a team, you’ll get to meet new people.

What are the benefits of becoming an Activator?

Here’s just a few of the benefits on offer for our Barclays Free Park Tennis Activators: Free online training – giving you all the knowledge and resources you need to run fun sessions at your local park courts Free tennis equipment – we’ll kit you out with an equipment bag with rackets, balls, markers and everything else you need Free hoodie – once you’ve finished your training, we’ll send you a Barclays Free Park Tennis hoodie to wear during your sessions Support – the Operator at your local park courts will support you throughout your time as an Activator with ongoing admin and online sessions

Can I become an Activator if I am not a skilled tennis player?

Barclays Free Park Tennis 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. Barclays Free Park Tennis Activators will undergo 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. After completing the online training, all new Activators are required to complete multiple session’s shadowing a coach or an existing Activator. This hands-on experience will help them gain practical insights before leading their own session.

Do I need any equipment for Barclays Free Park Tennis?

No. All balls and rackets are provided by Park Sports.

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

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Barclays Free Park Tennis - FAQS

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What is Barclays Free Park Tennis?

Barclays Free Parks Tennis (FPT) 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.
The 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.
Why should you become a Barclays Free Park Tennis Activator?

Becoming a Barclays Free Park Tennis Activator is hugely rewarding. Your time and effort will make a big difference in people’s lives – helping players of all ages and backgrounds pick up a racket and have fun playing tennis.
Not only will you be helping to grow the game and make a real impact in your community, but it’s a great opportunity for you to get out, keep active and enjoy spending time out on court. Working together as a team, you’ll get to meet new people.
What are the benefits of becoming an Activator?
Here’s just a few of the benefits on offer for our Barclays Free Park Tennis Activators:
- Free online training – giving you all the knowledge and resources you need to run fun sessions at your local park courts
- Free tennis equipment – we’ll kit you out with an equipment bag with rackets, balls, markers and everything else you need
- Free hoodie – once you’ve finished your training, we’ll send you a Barclays Free Park Tennis hoodie to wear during your sessions
- Support – the Operator at your local park courts will support you throughout your time as an Activator with ongoing admin and online sessions
Can I become an Activator if I am not a skilled tennis player?

Barclays Free Park Tennis 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.
Barclays Free Park Tennis Activators will undergo 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.
After completing the online training, all new Activators are required to complete multiple session’s shadowing a coach or an existing Activator. This hands-on experience will help them gain practical insights before leading their own session.
Do I need any equipment for Barclays Free Park Tennis?
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