With the excitement of Wimbledon this month, now is the perfect time to dust off your racket, step onto the court, and get involved in your local tennis community.
The Barclays Local Tennis Leagues has launched a brand-new Beginner League this summer at Bitts Park, Carlisle designed to open the door for adults of all skill levels. Get active, build confidence, and enjoy structured competitive tennis in a supportive, local setting - giving you the perfect chance to get on court and into the game.
Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or aiming to sharpen your game, the Bitts Park Beginner League offers the perfect opportunity to play competitive, yet fun tennis.
Every participant will receive an ITF World Tennis Number, a unique identifier that matches you with opponents of similar ability - ensuring fair, enjoyable, and rewarding matches.
The leagues are volunteer-led and open to adults aged 18 and over, with matches taking place year-round in more than 200 parks and public courts nationwide. The new Bitts Park Beginner League offers a welcoming environment for anyone wanting to ease into the sport while still enjoying a bit of healthy competition.
By signing up to the Barclays Beginner league, you’ll also unlock some fantastic benefits including LTA Advantage Play+ membership, which includes eligibility for the Wimbledon Ballot. Additionally, participants can earn Barclays Local Tennis Leagues coupon prizes simply for playing matches and winning their groups and gain exclusive discounts on leading sports brands.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“At Cumberland Council, improving health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. We understand how vital these elements are to everyone’s quality of life and the Beginner’s League offers a fantastic example of this, offering a welcoming way for people to get active, improve their wellbeing, and enjoy social connection. With Wimbledon starting, it’s an exciting chance for all to embrace tennis and a healthier lifestyle.”
Tom Rice, GLL's Cumberland Partnership Manager added:
"We welcome the launch of this initiative as the benefits of taking part in activity are far reaching, not only supporting healthy lifestyles but encouraging social interaction, camaraderie and community building through sport.
"Better leisure centres offer a range of tennis programmes at beginner through to advanced levels at Bitts Park as well as other racquet sports and club sessions designed to get people active indoors and outdoors to help improve their wellbeing."
To find out more about the Barclays beginners league, download the app: : Play in a Barclays Local Tennis League | LTA
Bitts Park courts are owned by Cumberland Council, managed on the council’s behalf by GLL and operated by Cumbria Tennis. All eight courts are available all year-round, seven days a week. You can find a court to play on when you want for just £45 per year or £6 per hour pay and play. As a member once you have paid £45 every member of your household will be able to play on the parks courts free of any court fees for a whole year. There will be nothing else to pay until you want to renew in a years time.
Find out more and start playing today: Clubspark / Bitts Park (Carlisle) / Home