A programme which aims to improve heart health in County Durham is recruiting tennis players. Barry Nelson reports

A COUNTY Durham tennis club is hoping to harness the post-Olympic feel-good factor and get over-40s off the couch and on to the tennis court.

“With Andy Murray’s Olympic success, now is the perfect time to use peoples’ enthusiasm for sport and turn it into action,” says Phil Atess, a retired police inspector who runs Shotley and Benfieldside Tennis Club.

“County Durham has some of the worst rates of heart disease in the country and tennis is a sport that people enjoy watching, but feel they can’t afford to learn or play. We are offering the opportunity to people to enjoy time on court with free coaching for over-40s as part of our own Total Tennis lessons.”

Total Tennis is part of the wider Changing the Physical Activity Landscape (CPAL) programme, aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in people aged 40 to 74 through increased physical activity. The programme is funded and managed by NHS County Durham and Darlington and County Durham Sport. The club already coaches about 130 people, many of whom have come through the CPAL programme.

Phil enjoyed a 30-year career in Durham police, but tennis has always played an important part of his life. Following his retirement from the force, he is now totally focused on bringing tennis to anyone who is interested.

“I’ve been in a national final at Wimbledon in a Metropolitan Police competition and met some amazing people, including Judy Murray and Grand Slam finalist Marcus Baghdatis, and it’s all thanks to tennis.”

But it’s coaching tennis where Phil’s real passion lies, something he took up 14 years ago following a life threatening injury he received as a result of a car crash.

“I suffered a suspected broken neck in a car crash, it weakened my neck and I decided to stop playing football and focus my energy on tennis and becoming a coach,” he says. “I work with people of all ages and aim to make the sport inclusive, so it’s enjoyable for all ages and abilities. When I work developing talented juniors, I often spend more time with them than they spend with their own parents. You’re there through the tough times and the good and I take a lot of pride in their success.”

Andrew Power, strategic manager for physical activity for County Durham Sport says: “CPAL was launched to provide the people of County Durham with a variety of activities to take part in, that are accessible and sustainable. Since we started in February 2010, we have had fantastic results with over 10,000 people recruited to our range of projects and 60 per cent increasing their levels of physical activity after six months.”

  •  The Total Tennis sessions take place at Shotley Tennis Club and Annfield Plain Park. People can play in teams and sessions are suitable for all levels from beginners up. Free coaching is provided for cardio tennis and touch tennis and all equipment is provided. For more information, contact head coach Philip Atess on 07903-222-275 or email p.atess@sky.com