Wimbledon Champions of the Future with a Will to Win

In partnership with The Royal Parks, Will to Win Tennis has established 'The Royal Parks Schools' Tennis Challenge 2008'. On Friday 27 June talented young tennis players from ten state- schools will compete in Hyde Park.

Will to Win Tennis Community Sports Days will be held in Regent's Park on Sunday 29 June and in Hyde Park on Sunday 6 July. Free tennis, free tennis coaching, and free mini tennis for the whole family, are on offer between midday and 3pm on both dates.

To help the Wimbledon champions of the future prepare for the Tennis Challenge and Sports Days, children from local schools have the opportunity to practise on the tennis courts in Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Greenwich Park. The courts do not need to be pre-booked and they are free of charge on weekdays between 3pm and 6pm for all under 16s in London during June, July and August 2008. Equipment is also provided free of charge.

Mark Camley, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks and patron of 'The Royal Parks Schools' Tennis Challenge' said: "The Royal Parks is committed to junior tennis and helping young people develop their talent. This project provides school children with free coaching and tennis within The Royal Parks. We are delighted to work with Will to Win in providing these young people with the opportunity to develop an interest in tennis and enjoy active sport."

Steve Riley, Director of Will to Win Tennis, said: "Will to Win Tennis has been working closely with The Royal Parks over the past five years to make tennis more accessible. The Will to Win scheme provides opportunities for local kids to have fun, receive free coaching and get involved in tennis at an early age and it ensures that any junior in London will have the opportunity to play tennis on some of London's finest outdoor courts this summer."

Media enquiries:

For further information or images please contact:

The Royal Parks - Katy Murray on 020 7298 2128 or kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Will to Win - Steve Riley on 0795 711 0403 or steveriley@willtowin.co.uk

Notes to Editors

To book a place on one of the Community Sports Days please email regentspark@willtowin.co.uk or hydepark@willtowin.co.uk.

About The Royal Parks:

The Royal Parks Agency is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.

For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk

About Will to Win:

For further information please visit: www.willtowin.co.uk