More than 150 people in Tendring had the chance to try out tennis, squash and other sports at the first ever Beat the Street Racket Sports Festival this month.
The one-day sports festival was organised by Beat the Street, Tendring District Council’s Clacton Leisure Centre, Active Essex and coaches from the local area on Friday 24 February as part of half-term to offer people from across Tendring the opportunity to come together and try out different racket sports for free.
The event included the chance for people of all ages to have a go at squash, tennis, touchtennis, badminton, table-tennis as well as taking part in fun Beat the Street activities and games regardless of background, age or ability. Additionally, expert local coaches Chris Vine and Curtis Austin were on hand to give residents’ advice and the chance to learn a few new racket skills.
Natasha Potter, Engagement Manager for Beat the Street, said: “It is the first time this sort of event has been run in Tendring and it was a fantastic success! There are some amazing coaches and racket sport facilities in Tendring and this festival was a fantastic opportunity to give people the chance to try out these fun sports in an inclusive, fun and accessible way.
“It was brilliant to see schools, community groups, families and friends all participating together, many of whom had never played any racket sports and are now looking to take up the activities.’
Since the Beat the Street game finished last summer, the team have been working across Tendring to keep people active and try new activities, putting on over 70 events with more planned in the next few months.
One parent who attended the Beat the Street racket festival said: ‘We loved the Beat the Street game and have been taking part in the activities they’ve been setting up since the game finished, this festival has been our favourite activity so far!’
Following the success of the initial racket sports festival, Beat the Street will be giving local residents another chance to try out new sports and activities during the Easter half-term break in April.
