Youngsters get taste of Wimbledon in East End with tennis wall

Children in Hackney experienced the Wimbledon atmosphere last Friday, playing tennis at the opening of a unique rebound wall.

Almost 40 children gathered at the Concorde Centre, in Kingsmead Way, Homerton, for the unveiling of REBOwall, a unique slanted surface covered in Astroturf which recreates the feel of the UK’s most famous tennis tournament.

Qualified tennis coach, and inventor of REBOwall, Adrian Hutchins, was on hand with professional tennis player, Marshall Tutu to provide expertise.

Adrian said: “The REBOwall event far exceeded all my hopes and expectations. The children went crazy for it and were really enthusiastic to have a go.

“Most of the kids hadn’t even held a tennis racket before, let alone had any coaching.

“There’s some real naturally gifted tennis talent in Hackney that, without REBOwall, would have remained undiscovered.”

The launch was to encourage people from disadvantaged areas, without regular access to a tennis court, to enjoy the sport.

Adrian added: “It’s my ambition for a Grand Slam champion to come from an inner-city after learning on a REBOwall. Viva la REBO-lution.”