Something for all the family at the W100
Everyone from budding young tennis stars through to youngsters who have never held a racket will have a chance to meet players and learn new skills next month as part of the ITF World Tennis Tour.
The tournament, which will see leading British and international stars compete, takes place at The Shrewsbury Club in November but on Saturday, November 5, it’s the turn of local youngsters as Ellesmere College and Opus-4 host a Family Fanzone Day.
The ultimate family tennis experience, visitors can expect to have a go at games such as pickleball as well as a wealth of other interactive games including a competition to see who has the fastest serve, maths puzzles, arts and crafts plus a chance to get on stage with a mini drama session.
The Shrewsbury Club’s managing director, Dave Courteen, said he was excited to offer guests something different and interactive to do in between matches.
“The Family Fanzone Day is one of the most highly anticipated events of the whole week,” he said. “Not only is it on semi-finals day, but it gives tennis fans of all ages a chance to test their skills and get involved.
“We hope these activities will give aspiring younger players the chance to showcase their skills and meet some stars ranked in the top 100 in the world, all while having fun with their family and friends!”
The day will offer families the chance to watch world class tennis and join in all the off-court activities at a heavily discounted price with tickets being just £17.50 for one adult and up to four children.
The Budgen Motors W100 is the biggest event in women’s tennis, outside of the grass court season, to be staged in England this year. The likes of Harriet Dart and Katie Boulter are set to hit the Shrewsbury court as part of the tournament.
Stephen Welti, Director of Tennis at Ellesmere College, said: “We are delighted to be co-sponsoring the Family Fanzone Day with Opus4, there will be a lot of fun activities with staff and students from the College, and we are really looking forward to taking part in what should be a wonderful week’s tennis.”
As part of the Family Fanzone Day, families will be able to sample some local street food fish and chips from local gourmet specialist, Fish Heads.
Families looking for something to do ahead of the tournament also have a few more days to complete the Shrewsbury Tennis Ball trail.
The trail features 12 caricature tennis balls at key locations throughout the centre of the town, each with a key phrase on the back. Those collecting all 12 phrases will be in with the chance of winning great prizes including three month family membership to The Shrewsbury Club, four tickets to the VIP lunch and finals day at the World Tennis Tour or two tickets to Cinch Championships at the Queens Club for one day in June 2023.
The Tennis Ball Trail competition closes on October 31.