Youth Programme
Get your kids playing and loving tennis with LTA Youth.
LTA Youth is a fun and engaging junior tennis programme designed for kids aged 4–18. It’s all about inspiring a love of sports and developing young athletes – not just tennis players – with skills for life.
Sessions are run at clubs, parks and other tennis venues across the country. Each lesson is packed with dynamic games and skill-building activities to help improve balance, agility, coordination and so much more.
Find an LTA Youth course
Everyone is welcome, regardless of ability. Whether your kids are picking up a racket for the first time or already a tennis enthusiast, our LTA-accredited coaches will make sure they feel supported, challenged, and energised. Expect plenty of movement, laughter, and fun.
Why LTA Youth is different?
- Skills-first focus: Developing physical literacy and all-around athletic skills.
- Fun, inclusive environment: Sessions designed to bring out your child’s best.
- Progress at any stage: Every session is built for growth, whether your child is learning with friends or stepping into their first match.
Find your nearest LTA Youth courses below and start your kids’ tennis journey today.
Start playing tennis
Never played tennis before? We’ve got a special starter tennis offer for you and your kids.
For just £4.99 you’ll get a kids tennis racket, balls, an Advantage membership and access to free tennis sessions.
Find out more about LTA Youth programme and see which stage best fits your kids below:
Tennis lessons for ages 4-6
This introduction to tennis focuses on building strong foundations. Through fun, active games, kids will develop balance, agility, and hand-eye coordination while exploring the basics of the sport. It’s not about winning – it’s about learning new skills and having a blast.
Find a Blue Stage lesson
Tennis lessons for ages 6-8
Get ready to see rallies, volleys, and overarm serves. At this stage, kids will continue to improve speed, coordination, and reaction time. Relaxed, friendly competition is introduced to help develop confidence and teamwork.
Find a Red Stage lesson
Tennis lessons for ages 8-9
This is where strategy comes in. Kids will explore tactics, problem-solving, and sportsmanship. They’ll sharpen their match play skills while developing leadership qualities that benefit them on and off the court.
Find an Orange Stage lesson
Tennis lessons for ages 9-10
Stepping up to a full-size court – kids will refine their skills and techniques while learning to handle more competitive situations. These sessions help them grow their game and master the mental side of sports.
Find a Green Stage lesson
Tennis lessons for ages 10+
With full-size balls on regulation courts, just like the pros. Here, kids continue exploring different styles of play. They’ll focus on developing a game that’s uniquely theirs while building confidence and resilience.
Find a Yellow Stage lesson
Frequently asked questions
Tennis is an amazing way for kids to stay active, build confidence, and make new friends.
Our LTA Youth Programme introduces children as young as four to the basics of the game through fun and dynamic sessions. It’s all about improving coordination, boosting agility, and sparking a love for tennis – while having fun along the way.
The secret? Make tennis fun! Kids are far more likely to pick up a racket if it’s an enjoyable experience.
Our LTA Youth Programme is packed with exciting, high-energy sessions that focus on fun, skill development and friendship. Find a local course, and watch your kids fall in love with tennis in no time.
There’s no hard-and-fast rule. The key is making sure your child is having fun.
Whether they play once a week or every day, let their interest and enjoyment guide you. If they’re ready to step up their game and start competing, they’ll probably need to hit the courts more often to build confidence and experience.
Junior competitions are happening all year round across the country for kids of all ages and skill levels. Start with LTA Youth Compete, which has three stages to suit every child:
- Team Challenge: Fun, team-based competitions that focus on playing with friends—no serious scoring here.
- Matchplay: A step into individual competition to help build match experience in a low-pressure environment.
- Local Tour: Tournaments for kids aged 18 and under where players can earn Recent Form or LTA Ranking points.
There’s a competition for every kid, whether they’re just starting out or ready to take on new challenges.
The golden rule is keeping it fun. When kids enjoy the game, they’re more likely to build skills and stick with it.
Teaching methods also vary by age. That’s why our LTA Youth Programme has five coaching stages – Blue to Yellow – designed to match each developmental level. It’s all about creating an environment where kids grow, learn, and thrive.
Choosing the right racket size is crucial for comfort and skill development. Here’s our guide:
- 8 years and under: 17-23 inches
- 8-9 years: 23-25 inches
- 9-10 years: 25-26 inches
- 10 years and over: 26-27 inches
To check if it’s the right length, have your child stand with arms by their side and the racket pointing down. If the tip reaches their ankle, you’re good to go.
Comfort is key. Think shorts, tracksuit bottoms, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies – anything that lets them move freely. Leave the jeans and bulky coats at home.
As for shoes, a comfy pair of trainers is a must to help prevent slips and ankle injuries on the court. With the right gear, your kids will be ready for action on the tennis court.
To find a tennis course for your kid, select the stage that best matches your child’s age and ability, click on the ‘Find a course’ button and then enter your postcode in the search bar to find a course near you.
If you’re interested in finding out more about competitions, take a look at our LTA Youth Compete page or download our Start Competing guide for parents.