Free family tennis fun day
Published
Wednesday 24 June, 2026
Updated
Wednesday 24 June, 2026
Get active at a free family tennis fun day being hosted by the Sittingbourne Tennis Club and Swale Borough Council.
You can give tennis a try, ahead of the Wimbledon finals, and test out the refurbished tennis courts at Milton Recreation Ground in Sittingbourne at a free event on Saturday, 4 July.
The Barclays Big Tennis Weekend Open Day gives Swale residents the opportunity to try the sport for free - with all equipment provided - while being guided by trained LTA tennis activators.
If you want to take part in the fun day you will need to book a free slot, between 10am and 1pm.
There are sessions for all ages:
- Junior Red Ball, from 10am for ages 4-7
- Junior Orange Ball, from 10:45am for ages 8-10
- Junior Green Ball – 11:30am ages 11-17
- Family time and adult beginner session from 12:15pm
The council are also hosting free tennis sessions on the first Sunday of every month at King George V Playing Fields until October, alongside competitive Barclays Tennis Leagues.
These opportunities to play tennis have been made possible thanks to a full refurbishment of the courts at Milton Recreation Ground and King George V Playing Fields.
This included installing new nets and resurfacing and repainting the courts, thanks to a £124,578 investment by the UK government and LTA Tennis Foundation, and an additional injection of £32,413 from the council.
Fences and gate access technology were installed to make it easier for players to find, book and get on the courts, whilst helping maintain their new high standards for future generations.
Frequent players can buy season tickets allowing daily access to the courts for £43 per year and casual users can book a court for £6.40 per hour.
The funds raised make sure the courts can be kept at this high standard for years to come.
You can book a regular session for either location online on the LTA’s website.
Cllr Hannah Perkin, chair of the Housing, Health and Communities Committee, said:
“This is the second year that the tennis club are hosting their family fun day since the full refurbishment of the courts, giving people of all ages the chance to pick up a racket.
“With Wimbledon in full swing we are hoping it will pique people’s interest in the sport, so we are working to remove as many barriers as we can and make sure there are free opportunities to play.
“We hope to see even more people giving tennis a go for free - with the guidance of trained activators - it is a great place to get active, socialise and enjoy the summer weather.
“If you can’t make the family open day there are also free guided sessions on the first Sunday of each month, or if you are looking for something more competitive why not sign up for the local Barclays Tennis League.”
Danny Braund, Chairman of Sittingbourne Tennis Club, said:
“Sittingbourne Tennis Club loves hosting and being a part of the Barclays Big Tennis Weekend!
“We truly wouldn't be the club we are without our passionate members, and there is nothing better than seeing our courts filled with people playing and enjoying the game.
“Events like these are the perfect opportunity to give tennis a go in a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment—no matter your level.
“Whether you’re a seasoned pro or picking up a racket for the first time, we’d love to see you there.”
