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Tennis Wales report growth of the sport across the country

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PARTICIPATION figures released by Tennis Wales, the National Governing Body for tennis & padel in Wales, show an increase in adult and junior participation.

The Lawn Tennis Association for Britain (LTA) published GB participation figures for 2022 in February that showed sustained success in getting
more people playing tennis, more often; with growth across all demographics, regions and nations of Great Britain, particularly amongst 16-34 year-olds and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The latest LTA participation figures or Wales have shown that trend continuing in the country. It found that in the year to May 2023, 176,000* adults in Wales picked up a racket and played
tennis at least once in the last 12 months, and that 71,000* adults played monthly.

These figures are a significant increase from around 130,000* playing annually and 31,000* playing monthly in 2019, which was the start of Tennis Wales’ tennis ‘opened up’ strategy. Another
positive is the number of women taking part in tennis activity each year, with more than 50,000* women playing annually on courts across Wales.

The number of children participating in tennis has also grown. 27,000* children currently play tennis each week while 154,000* play at least once a year. In addition, the sport has high
levels of latent demand, with more than 50,000 school children wanting to participate and try tennis (Sport Wales, School Sport Survey 2023).

Jamie Clewer, Head of Participation at Tennis Wales siad: “These figures show how our sport has ‘opened up’ to new and returning players in the last few years. Our network of tennis courts
across Wales includes public parks, tennis clubs, commercial facilities and community indoor tennis centres. Together we’re seeing amazing participation rates in the game”.

Reflecting on the Sport Wales School Sports Survey figures he added: “We’ve provided free LTA Youth Schools teacher training to more than 650 Welsh teachers, and via the LTA Tennis Foundation,
invested £250 into each school that has completed the training for tennis coaching and equipment.

“Our network of accredited tennis coaches are superb, welcoming children into the game through our LTA Youth programme in Wales, with fun games, and smaller courts and rackets”.

Tennis Wales’s strategy to ‘open up’ tennis includes an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plan which has:

Increased female participation and female workforce

  • Seen direct investment into new Open Court disability coaching sessions
  • Introduced tennis into more under-served communities through LTA SERVES
  • The creation of a Welsh Government funded anti-racist project
  • Seen the launch of the first LGBTQ+ tennis club in Wales.

Elsewhere, a new National Facility Plan has prioritised capital investment into the game and is:

  • Building low-cost indoor structures in areas of poor tennis provision
  • Modernising tennis club facilities for the future
  • Refurbishing public parks as
  • part of a UK-wide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA
  • Working with schools, colleges and universities to utilize school tennis courts
  • Developing padel, with new padel courts being built

 

Crime

Man in critical condition after serious assault in New Quay

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A 20-YEAR-OLD man remains in a critical condition in hospital after being seriously assaulted in New Quay.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident happened at around 12:51am on Saturday (July 4) in Margaret Street, leading to Uplands Square.

The victim suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and remains in police custody.

Police said enquiries are progressing, led by CID and the Major Crime Team. A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area over the coming days.

Officers are appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260704-028.

 

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Community

Kilgetty and Begelly tractor run raises funds for local charities

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Around 70 tractors joined the annual charity road run, hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel

THE ANNUAL Kilgetty and Begelly Charity Tractor Run brought a colourful convoy to the roads around the Narberth area on Saturday (Jul 4), with around 70 tractors taking part.

The event was hosted by the Begelly Arms Hotel, where farmers, families and supporters gathered before the start of the run.

Entrants were treated to bacon rolls and coffee by the hosts before setting off, while many families took the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside the tractors.

The road run once again proved to be a popular community event, bringing together local farmers, vintage tractor enthusiasts and supporters for a good cause.

The sight of dozens of tractors heading out together made an impressive display as the convoy travelled through the local area.

Organisers said local charities are set to benefit from money raised at the event.

The annual run has become a well-supported fixture in the local calendar, with farming families turning out in force to take part and support the fundraising effort.

For further information, contact Peter Adams at the Begelly Arms on 01834 812601.

Pictures: Malcolm Richards

 

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Community

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival brings village together for colourful celebration

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PONTRHYDFENDIGAID Carnival returned in style on Saturday, with a strong community turnout as villagers, families, children and young people gathered on the Village Green before the procession moved on to Bont Pavilion.

The afternoon was full of colour, music and community spirit, with bunting, balloons, decorated floats and smiling faces helping to create a true village celebration.

Among the highlights were the children’s and young people’s entries, which showed real creativity, confidence and effort. Farmyard scenes, animal costumes, a Noah’s Ark-themed float and brightly decorated tableaux all helped bring the carnival to life.

Organisers praised the work that had gone into the displays, competitions and activities, with many families clearly spending hours preparing costumes, props and entries.

The carnival programme featured a wide range of competitions, including floats and tableaux, children’s age-group entries, adverts, pairs, “anything on wheels” and the ever-popular welly throwing competition.

The mix of Welsh and English throughout the event reflected the strong local identity of Pontrhydfendigaid and the importance of keeping village traditions alive for the next generation.

Thanks were also paid to the organisers, volunteers, presidents, compères, families and all those who gave their time behind the scenes. Events of this kind take a great deal of work, and the turnout showed how much the carnival continues to mean to the community.

Pontrhydfendigaid Carnival 2026 proved to be a joyful reminder of what can be achieved when a village comes together.

Photographs and report by Jeremy Rundle

 

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