THE start of the school year has seen the launch of an exciting, enhanced annual tennis-coaching programme for Costello Technology College at Totally Tennis' indoor centre.

Twenty players, accompanied by PE teacher Cath Lewis, have already signed up and taken part in the first weekly team training session of the year, held last Thursday.

The sessions, which have been extended to run throughout the whole academic year instead of just in the summer term, provide the pupils with the opportunity to develop their tennis skills using the excellent facilities available.

The centre is right on the college's doorstep and within easy walking distance.

Last year's programme culminated in success for the school as players Jake Brice and Sam Randall won the under-16 boys' doubles trophy at the Secondary Schools Tournament.

The partnership between the school and Totally Tennis has also developed over the past year to include three weekly sessions for 30 key stage four pupils, who have opted to play tennis in their PE lessons.

The next stage in the development of the programme is to offer all the Year 7 pupils the opportunity to play tennis in one of their weekly PE lessons.

The coaches from Totally Tennis have also delivered tennis assemblies and taster sessions at the school to raise the profile of the sport.

In addition, Totally Tennis has continued to offer its special lower court rates to any school that wishes to use the courts during the day between 9am and 4.30pm, as an incentive for local schools to be able to utilise the facilities the indoor centre has to offer.

Totally Tennis' schools co-ordinator, Jo Brett, said: "We have worked really hard to develop a successful schools programme in the area and are extremely pleased to be extending the programme to Costello Technology College.

"The proximity of the school to us makes it ideal for the pupils to benefit from using our facilities, as well as their own tailored coaching programme."

She added: "We also run an annual coaching programme at Rucstall Primary School, which is a feeder school to Costello, so these children will have had the opportunity to play tennis throughout their time at school."

Any school interested in the special school rate offer at Totally Tennis' indoor centre should contact Jo Brett by calling 01256 358816.