Katie Boulter takes part in Age UK’s Walking Tennis Programme
• 3 MINUTE READ
On her way to the airport to fly to Malaga for the Billie Jean King Cup finals, Katie Boulter, British No.1 made a special stop at Sutton Tennis and Squash Club to see Age UK Sutton’s Walking Tennis programme in action.
Age UK have been funded by the LTA Tennis Foundation to deliver Walking Tennis in eight locations across Great Britain which have been set up to encourage older people to get more active and join groups in communities. The aim is to improve not only physical and mental health, but foster social connectedness, and reduce isolation and loneliness for older people.
Katie, who has a strong connection to Age UK explained how special the relationship with her grandparents had always been, and that she felt compelled to support the charity initially during COVID as she knew how isolated she felt at that time, and what it must be like for older people living on their own.
When asked what being able to attend a session like this means to her, Katie said “It is something that is super close to my heart, I have been lucky enough to have the most amazing grandparents, they are a huge part of my life, and the reason I am who I am today. To see everyone out here playing, it really does make me happy”.
Katie was able to spend time chatting with some of the service users about what the programme means to them, as a big part of it is the social element, being able to meet up with people, and have a coffee and a chat, is just as important as tennis itself.
One service user named Derek told us about the impact that the sessions had for him; “When my wife died, I felt very low and isolated. I got in touch with Age UK Sutton, and they told me all the groups there were in my area. I thought I would try the Walking Tennis session, and it has done wonders for me. When I started coming, I had very bad mobility, and now, after eight weeks I am moving so much better, it's been amazing. It has also really helped my wellbeing; I really enjoy the social element”
Katie got on court with members of Sutton's Walking Tennis group, and sat down with them after to chat about the sessions and what they mean to them.
Out on court Katie was put through her paces by the group, making time to hit with everyone taking part. Having Katie on court gave the group a real boost with one service user saying, “She is such a lovely person, and she gave me confidence when we were playing."
Jemma Thornton, Head of Wellbeing Services at Age UK Sutton said “It was great having Katie attend the session today, it meant so much to everyone to have her here. Walking Tennis is a great option for older people, and those living with long term health conditions. It gets people moving, so there are obvious physical benefits, but the impact for mental wellness is also huge.”
She is such a lovely person, and she gave me confidence when we were playing.
The LTA Tennis Foundation (LTA TF) is the LTA’s official charity, and the Age UK Walking Tennis programme is funded through the LTA TF’s Grant Making Programme. Tom Gibbins, Head of LTA Tennis Foundation Development said; “I am so pleased Katie could come along and take part in the Age UK Walking Tennis session.
"Having a player with as a high profile as Katie show her support for this format of the game is priceless. The LTA Tennis Foundation’s mission is to improve lives through tennis and seeing the impact that this Walking Tennis session is having, shows that we are achieving that.”
The LTA is committed to its vision of tennis opened up, and Walking Tennis is one of several different formats of the game.
