Facility one of leading venues for developing young tennis stars
Bidston Sports and Activity Centre has been recognised as one of the country’s leading venues for developing young tennis players – and has helped hone the skills of a local schoolgirl who now represents Great Britain.
The Wirral Council-owned facility is named among the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) 10U Performance Network - one of 19 of the highest accredited environments for developing junior talent.
Ten-year-old Eleanor Charters, from Oxton, has been training in Bidston since 2022. Eleanor has trained consistently since taking up the sport and now attends sessions up to five days per week.
Through the facilities, coaching environment and training opportunities, she has developed into one of the country’s leading players in her age group. Eleanor is regularly selected to represent Great Britain on the international stage, recently playing in a match against France.
While the council owns the facility, tennis at Bidston is provided through a partnership with local governing body Cheshire Tennis and Cross Sports Futures which operates the facility.
The top-quality facilities at Bidston Sports and Activity Centre allow the Wirral tennis community to train and thrive throughout the year, as well as providing young players with access to excellent coaching and development opportunities.
The 10U Performance Network status is recognition of the successful partnership between Wirral Council and its partners.
It is clear evidence that Wirral has real potential to shape some tennis stars of the future, with one of our young players already being part of the Great Britain team. Perhaps a Wimbledon champion who trains at Bidston Sports and Activity Centre may emerge in years to come.
Do you want to get into tennis?
Wimbledon was a thrilling tournament this year, with Great Britain’s Arthur Fery heroically reaching the men’s semi-finals despite entering the tournament as a wildcard.
There is no better time than to take up tennis - whether you are a complete beginner, a returning player, or a family looking for an active start to the weekend, there are free, friendly sessions open to all abilities in Wirral.
We Do Tennis, the Parks Tennis Operator for the borough in support of Active Wirral, are offering them every Saturday, with bookings not required. They take place at:
- Harrison Park, Wallasey, 10am
- Birkenhead Park, 10am
Those who attend sessions or play tennis in the warmer weather are encouraged to bring plenty of water, take regular breaks in shaded areas and avoid playing during the hottest parts of the day when possible. Courts can be booked here.
