Hola chicos, everyone who knows me will know that I love tennis. I love this sport so much which is why it is the only one I really follow. Since settling in the UK, Wimbledon has become my favourite tournament and the one that I look forward to the start of each year. We are now in the second week of this years Wimbledon and I have been glued to the TV watching lots of matches. This is actually very interesting because since I started blogging a year ago I have pretty much given up watching TV. When it comes to tennis though, I can never stop watching! 🙂
Tennis is a great sport because it helps you with aerobic fitness, anaerobic fitness, ability to accelerate, powerful first step, speed, leg strength, general body coordination, gross motor control, fine motor control, agility, dynamic balance, cross-training, bone strength and density, immune system, nutritional habits, eye-hand coordination and flexibility. How fantastic is that? There are so many benifits! 🙂
Me playing tennis when I was 6 years old
Since I was young tennis has been a sport that I have really enjoyed! I had some private lessons and as well as lessons at my school. Yes we were lucky to have a tennis court there, which was amazing! I maintained my love of tennis whilst I was at university, taking more lessons. It was great just practicing this sport and although I was never close to it being something I would do professionally, it was just nice to be able to play. When I moved to Europe (First Madrid, then London) I was keen to take my Wilson Tennis Racquet because I wanted to make sure I was going to be able to keep practicing this lovely sport.
Bella watching tennis when she was 1 year old
I have tried to make watching Wimbledon a tradition at home. I guess because I like it so much so Nick and the girls must watch it by default, LOL! It is true that if your kids watch you being so passionate about a sport it is very likely that they will also love it. I taught Bella to say “Come On Andy Murray” when he is playing, lol. She knows very well who is he and what to say. It is so cute to watch her doing that.
Photo taken by EDDIE MULHOLLAND for the Telegraph
We love Andy and I have always supported him. When he won Wimbledon for the first time in 2013, we were so happy for him. It was just the most amazing day for the whole country. I also loved when he won at the Olympics. What a special moment that was too. I think I cried on both occasions. Right now he is playing in the second week of Wimbledon. Djokovic is now out and it brings more hope that Andy could win Wimbledon again! I don’t know what will happen but we will be watching for sure! Fingers crossed he can win! 🙂
Since living in the UK I have not had the chance to play as much tennis as I used to, which is a shame. Unfortunately, time hasn’t allowed me that. I want my girls to love tennis like mummy. I did put Bella in some private lessons when she was little which were organised by her nursery. She really enjoyed it and understood what she needed to do. I though it was fantastic.
The thing is that all those lessons that I have had and that Bella had were private lessons and sometimes this is not always possible to afford. Thanks to the British Lawn Tennis Association who are hosting the Great British Tennis Weekend #GBTW, you can take your whole family to free sessions to enjoy some quality time playing tennis with your family. Thousands of free events will be taking place throughout the summer all across the country, with sessions to suit the whole family. There are Highland Spring Mini Tennis sessions, family time, free play, Cardio Tennis and numerous other kinds of activities to get involved in.
They will provide rackets and balls, so whether you’ve never picked up a racket before or you’re a seasoned regular there is fun for all! Weekends will take place throughout the summer, but will mainly be between 16th-17th July.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
We have already booked our family session which we are really looking forward to. You can also book a session at your local tennis club and it’s completely free. If you would like to sign up for your free session, you can sign up HERE to find a session near you.
Do you like tennis? Do you play regularly or occasionally? Have you had lessons in the past? Have you heard of The Great British Tennis Weekend #GBTW? Will you be taking up the offer of free sessions for you and your family? What do you think of this idea? Please leave a comment below as I would love to read what you think.
*Disclosure: I’m working with the Lawn Tennis Association on their #GBTW campaign. Sign up for your FREE tennis activity here
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
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I love all your ‘kiddie’ tennis shots from you as a child to your own daughter playing at school! I always played at school too and we had a tennis court at high school, but I stopped playing for fun when I went to Uni! It sounds like you are making a great start to getting into tennis again – good for you! Enjoy your #GBTW session.
What great inspiration for trying tennis with all those health benefits and lots of fun to be had. x
I just love the shot of you playing tennis when you were 6 – very sweet!
Love the shot of you as a child playing tennis. I wish I had one of me – I used to play endlessly.
I love watching with my son. He really gets into it. He loves Andy Murray too. #GBTW
I ADORE that photo of you as a child!! How fab to have that! Tennis is the only sport I am ever happy to watch too! x
That’s a wonderful initiative from the British Lawn Tennis Association! Thank you so much for sharing this. It sounds like great family fun, going out there and playing the game all together. Tennis really is in full swing these days thanks to Wimbledon.
I got into tennis playing short tennis – smaller court and a squidgy ball that you could whack without it disappearing into the bushes next to the court. I wonder if you can still play it? It’s a great way of getting the kids involved #KCACOLS
I’ve never really played, but I’ve always loved tennis dresses! I used to have quite a few, which would raise eyebrows when I had to admit I hadn’t picked up a racket since I was about 12. xD #FridayFrivolity
#KCACOLS even! (luckily the first post after switching commenting hats today!!)
I will definitely be cheering Andy on on Sunday! I used to play tennis at school, but haven’t played for years. My oldest boy (4) has recently started expressing an interest in playing, so I will see if there are any free sessions I can take him to – thanks!
#KCACOLS
It was so brilliant when he won Wimbledon! I have linked up a post about our Tefal day, can’t wait to get the cooker!
Xx #KCACOLS
THats such a cute photo of you playing tennis when you were younger! I’ve never been much into competitive sport – I don’t like the person it turns me into – but yesterday my husband and I had a game together at our local David Lloyd because Wimbledon fever has gotten into me (and because he’s playing a tournament amongst friends tomorrow and I want him to win so he needed to practise his serve) (see – can you tell how competitive I am, it’s ridiculous!) Anyways, today my arms and wrists are killing – I think I’ll just stick to drinking pims and watching it on the TV! #KCACOLS
I love watching Wimbledon, unfortunately the rest of my family aren’t so keen. I used to love playing tennis in school and would love to take the kids to play tennis sometime x #KCACOLS
I don’t like tennis but you look so cute! And you daughter too. Enjoy it on TV #KCACOLS
Look at you all cute with your tennis racket! I had a spell of lessons a couple of years ago – I’d never really played before and I enjoyed it but I was pretty rubbish I have to say. Lily has mentioned a passing interest so I would quite like to hook her up with some lessons and will certainly check this out. I love to see kids play. Enjoy the final! #KCACOLS
I love the photos and how your littlest is also learning to play. I can’t okay for toffee (whatever that saying means!) and haven’t a clue. I do like pimms and strawberries though if that counts? Thanks for hosting as ever #kcacols
The free lesson scheme is brilliant and I hope it’s still running when my eldest is slightly older. We love tennis in this house although we can only half heartedly cheer Andy on as we’re Roger adorers at heart! Hope we can go one day. #KCACOLS
What fab photos of you all. I used to love Tennis when I was younger I should really dig out my old racket seeing as it’s Wimbledon! #KCACOLS
You are so adorable!!! Love that photo. I used to play tennis all the time when I was younger, I did not take lessons. I took the kids to the court last summer it was funny to watch them chase the ball. Thank you for sharing #KCACOLS
I love tennis too but haven’t had a chance to watch much of Wimbledon this year. I’m not very good at it but had a few lessons about 5 years ago and really got into it. I think the sooner you can introduce your kids to all kinds of sports, the more of a chance they have of finding something they love and can keep at for life. Totally love Bella’s first tennis outfit when she was one BTW – how cute! Who knows, she may be a future tennis champ. In the meantime, I just hope she enjoys it and it builds her confidence. #KCACOLS
Great your little girl is enjoying it too. One of the highlights of BML for me was having a good practise session with LTA. OK the ball was big and softer than the usual ones (no broken windows!) but felt a bit like Serena for 10 minutes. Thanks for reminding me, I’m going to look up some classes for my son later. Jo x #KCACOLS
Hi there, those pictures are very adorable. Having some coordination issues due to Dyspraxia I never got into tennis myself but I do remember sitting at home with my parents what tennis when I was little. Growing up in Germany the highlights of the sporting year always were the end of the football season and any international tournaments and Wimbledon. Seeing Boris & Steffi play tennis are some of my fondest memories of that sport. It is just not the same these days. Although Andy Murray does come pretty close. #KCACOLS
It’s great that there are companies like this to help children play tennis for free, there was never this when I was younger. I think it also helps children develop their team sports skills. I was never one for a team sport, more of a runner, and maybe that’s why. Here’s to hoping for a Murray win this afternoon! Thanks so much for hosting Franca X #KCACOLS
I love tennis too – always have done. I loved seeing that photo of you when you were younger, as it brought back memories of the holiday tennis clubs I went to. I shall be watching the final today and, like you, shouting for Murray. The GBTW scheme sounds brilliant – thanks for all the info. Alison x #KCACOLS
Tennis is such a spectator friendly sport, I really enjoy watching wimbeldon, looks like such a nice atmosphere, I would love to go one day! #KCACOLS
I love tennis – I would always think that kids need to be older to try tennis as it seems kinda difficult ! I guess like anything the sooner the better . Look forward to watching Andy win this afternoon #kcacols
I love Wimbledon; I used to camp out for centre court tickets; can’t wait to take Lily there when she’s old enough! Enjoy the LTA weekend. #KCACOLS
Yaaaay I love the tennis, playing it, eating the strawberries and drinking the champagne. It feels like there hasn’t been the same build-up this year so it was great to read this post and get in the mood for today’s match – eeeeeks! Come on Murray! #KCACOLS
I have to admit I am so terrible at tennis I never play, but I do enjoy watching Wimbledon. I sat near a group of women on the train the other day who really irritated me – they disliked Andy Murray an awful lot because ‘he has no personality’. I honestly find this baffling – he’s a tennis player, and looks to be a pretty damn good one from what I can work out – why does he need to be full of ‘personality’ as well (which as far as I can see means slapping a fake grin on your face whenever you talk to the media). Anyway, rant over – go Andy!! #KCACOLS
I have never been much of a tennis lover, but I know many people are and it does have a lot of health benefits as well as being fun for those who enjoy.
Its funny you should mention when Andy Murray won Wimbleton. That was my Wedding day, and many of my guests were caught up in the pub watching it while we were having our photos done! I was not so pleased at that time! But I kind of understand now. (kind of…!). 😉
Amanda. #kcacols
Great photos. I will be signing my children up for lessons when they are a bit bigger. I was absolutely hopeless! #KCACOLS
I used to watch Wimbledon every year. But as time has gone on I have had less and less time to do so.
#KCACOLS
I have such great memories of watching and [trying] to play tennis when I was little! Our whole family enjoyed it together 🙂 Great post and photos! #KCACOLS
I love, love, love that photo of you as a child!! I signed up my son for tennis when he was little but he played tennis like badminton! I think it’s an Asian thing! Most Asian kids I know are just naturally good in badminton.
#KCACOLS
Tennis is the one sport that I could never get into folowing all that closely on television, but it is a great way to get exercise and I look forward to introducing my youngest to the game when she gets a bit older. We have some free courts nearby that we can use #KCACOLS
I think it is a great idea. I love tennis and played it a lot when I was younger and one of the only sports that I could cope with due to difficulties with coordination X #KCACOLS
We played tennis at school but I was never very good. Much preferred football back then but I always watched Wimbledon with my nan that was our tradition when she was still alive. #kcacols
Hi Franca,
My family are really into tennis and my brother is a master performance tennis coach (ie he’s quite good) so we watch quite a lot of tennis. I was thrilled this evening when Cygnet, only 21 months, made it quite clear that he wanted to watch the tennis rather than the football on the TV. Yippeee. Result!
Loads of love Pen x #KCACOLS
He won! 😀 I played tennis at school, just in normal P.E lessons and I loved it. I’ve never been any good at it but I would definitely enjoy attending one of these sessions! #KCACOLS
Aww I love the picture of you playing tennis when you were little. I have to admit, I really don’t understand tennis! #KCACOLS
Glad Murray went on to get the trophy, love a bit of tennis too!! #KCAKOLS
We love tennis here too. To be honest The Hub loves any sport but tennis seems to be a real hit with the kids. The baby lives nothing more than watching the ball fly between them while The Kid just claps when everyone else does and asks if anyone has won yet? Lol When Andy won she asked if he was crying because he thought he lost??!! Kids! It took ages for her to believe us when we told her he cried just coz he was happy!! #KCACOLS
Awe I love that pic of you playing when you were young! I played a little as a child but I have never been great at it. My dad actually got the chance to play at The Australian Open last year they wanted to showcase a 68 year old playing against a 16 year old to show that tennis is for any age. My dad has always played and plays a few times a week. It was amazing to take all the family and watch him we were so proud. He only just lost which was an awesome effort. He is 70 in a few months and still going strong.
I’ve never really been a fan of tennis but I’m sure as a family you will have a great session! It’s always nice to spend the day as a family doing something you can all enjoy! #kcacols
Aww what a cute photo of you! I never really played as a child but Mr H did and had lessons too! What a great game to watch yesterday too – I bet you were glued to your seat! #KCACOLS
I have never really ‘got’ tennis if Im honest.. I mean I know how its played etc and I do understand it, Its just not a sport for me unfortunately! Although to be fair, I have caught myself watching more and more of wimbledon this year, Ive had it on in the background a lot, and I did have it on yesterday when Andy won, but I was dozing on the settee (hangover) and so missed the actual moment lol …. The girls have played it with school and stuff, and they seem to enjoy it, although it hasn’t been requested as a club yet. so cute that your daughter knows who Andy is and says “come on Andy!” that is adorable! Nice pic of 6 year old you too 🙂 #kcacols
It’s great that you are encouraging your children to love tennis as much as you do. You are right, children definitely follow their parents’ examples. In my house it’s football and skiing! #KCACOLS
I used to love playing tennis when I was at school, and I was a member of the local (sadly now defunct) tennis club. Both of the boys watched Andy win the final on Sunday, and although they don’t really get it yet, I hope they will in the years to come and we can all watch – and hopefully even play – as a family! #KCACOLS
I love the photo of you playing as a child, how cute your daughter now play too. xx
I do love Tennis. I have always enjoyed watching the Williams sisters win all the grand slams. I actually live across the road from a Tennis club and its great to sit on the banks and watch the Tennis on a sunny day.
#KCACOLS
Love this! My kids seem to watching tennis too, which is odd as they only play rarely at school and I don’t play. I must rectify that!! Wimbledon is magic. I saw Pete Sampras there back in the day. Now THAT ages me. 🙂 Thanks for lovely post. #kcacols
Like you, i LOVE tennis! And like to play, though not to an level by any stretch of the imagination! I havent picked up a racket in years. Murray is now 2016 champion though 🙂 thanks for hosting #kcacols
Oh I’ll definitely look this up – my son loves tennis in his own way! I was considering some lessons but a taster is a great way of seeing if it is really something he likes or is at the right stage for. Lovely post Franca – your enthusiasm is just lovely and that pic of you as a six year old is so sweet! Happy ending to Wimbledon…hope you enjoyed the final weekend! #KCACOLS
How cute is that photo of you! I wish I played tennis more at school. I was on the netball and rounders teams but they never pushed tennis. I still love watching Wimbledon though x #GBTW
HUGE tennis fan over here! Was president of my uni Tennis team & ladies captain of all the London medical schools too! My uni life was all tennis!! I adore Wimbledon and have been many times.
A patient of mine made an excellent point last week… She told me that every year she takes the Wimbledon weeks off as annual leave!
What a brilliant idea! Even though she does not always go and watch it in person, I think that I might start doing the same….
#KCACOLS
I have not played for years and years but would love the boys to get into it. I’ve just had a look at the link and see that there is one near us so I hope to sign them up for the free taster:) thanks!
mainy
#KCACOLS
Look like lots of fun ! My brother and I used to play tennis when we were younger and it was always so much fun. #KCACOLS
I used to play tennis at secondary school, it was fun, although I was rubbish at it. I remember how everyone went tennis-crazy for two weeks every year and we always used to watch Wimbledon. I haven’t played tennis or watched Wimbledon for years. I like the idea of free tennis for all the family, such a great way to get into the sport. #KCACOLS
I like watching tennis and Olivia loves playing it. I have actually been looking at getting her into a tennis club as my sisters partner is wanting to get a membership and would take her #kcacols
Ahh Great post. I love tennis too (although I don’t play and was always rubbish when younger!). How fab that Andy has won again!! I think it is a shame that so many great sports, including tennis, are difficult to try out and pursue due to expense. So the campaign you are working on is a great idea. I hadn’t heard of it before so thank you for sharing this! Great pics as well 🙂 Kathy xx #KCACOLS
I quite enjoyed Tennis at school, even though I wasn’t all that great at it, I am more of a badminton kinda girl 😉 It is great that they are putting on these free sessions though! Anything to encourage families to get active. #KCACOLS xx