THANKS to a grant from GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations) and just in time for the start of the tennis season, 12 new tennis leaders will be ready to support tennis coaches in Monmouthshire.

The new leaders' course covers five modules which in addition to the previous core, competition and buddy hitting modules, now also cover volunteering and supporting tennis in schools.

Pupils have to demonstrate some volunteering activity in each of the modules and be aged 13 or over to pass and get their certificates.

Another change in the course now means that there is no upper age limit for those wanting to take the modules.

As a result of a community chest grant to support family fun afternoons and in particular introduce the new game of touch tennis to anyone aged five to 95, Abergavenny tennis club is seeking to train four adults in the next series of courses

Robert Wedlake said, "Tennis Leaders is an exciting award scheme for teenagers who want to gain new skills, knowledge and experience."

Since the start of the courses, one of the very first Abergavenny leaders, Sean Jones, has gone on to achieve his UKCC2 tennis coaching award and was voted Tennis Wales Assistant Coach of the year 2009.

Youngsters Mair Floyd-Bosley and Arianwen Fields have both clocked up over 200 hours of volunteering support and earned themselves the gold award.

For enquiries about the leaders courses or any other item of Abergavenny tennis news phone Robert Wedlake at 07903 524456 or email [email protected]">[email protected].