Tennis still seeks net gain
Joseph Hood Recreation Ground, Merton
This is not what I had expected tennis utopia to look like. Grass is growing on the tramlines, the lines are faded and the nets are held up by plastic carrier bags.
But it is not long before I realise why describes this weekly session as the most inspiring thing she has been involved with all year. In a flash, these shabby courts are transformed by dozens of enthusiastic players of all ages, abilities, sizes and colours.
Parents are feeding sponge balls to small children barely able to see over the net, a coach is demonstrating the service action to a group of attentive pupils, while players across the age spectrum are patiently waiting for their turn in a groundstroke drill. Everyone seems to be having fun and enjoying themselves.
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