On 26th June, in Hyde Park, young tennis players competed in the ‘Will to Win – BNP Paribas‘ Tennis Challenge 2009′. The tennis courts in Hyde Park and Regent’s Park had been the venue for the free coaching for children under 12, from local state schools, during June.

Will to Win, based in Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, visited eight local schools and selected the most promising players to attend professional training sessions at centres in The Royal Parks. After three weeks of dedicated training, a team of boys and girls were selected to represent each school at the Tennis Challenge in Hyde Park.

The Will to Win scheme, which is sponsored by BNP Paribas as part of our London Community and Charity programme, provides opportunities for local kids to have fun, receive free coaching and get involved in tennis at an early age. The outreach programme means that more kids get the opportunity to play the game and build up their skills by accessing the course free of charge. For too long tennis has been inaccessible and Will to Win aims to make the first experience to the game friendly and welcoming. In total, over 200 kids have enjoyed the programme since BNP Paribas started supporting Will to Win in the summer of 2008.