Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees are stepping up their active game by introducing new Walking Tennis sessions for those over the age of 50, or with a disability, at Queens Sports Club in Halifax.
Funded through the Lawn Tennis Association, the one-hour sessions, which began at the start of July, encourage older adults to keep active, build social connections and try something new.
Each session is free to attend and is facilitated by a professional tennis coach the sports club provides, no equipment is needed, although some participants like to bring their favourite rackets.
Last December, Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees were inspired by Active Calderdale’s £500 incentive for VCSE groups in Calderdale to pursue the Quality 4 Health + Wellbeing accreditation.
This quality assurance mark is offered by the local infrastructure organisation Voluntary & Community (VAC) for groups delivering health and wellbeing services, helping to demonstrate to commissioners and funders that organisations meet high standards in the service delivery of health and wellbeing provisions.
Organisations must show that they encourage staff, volunteers, and service users to engage in physical activity, aligning with Active Calderdale’s principles to make physical activity an embedded part of day-to-day life in Calderdale.
Several VCSE organisations, including EdShift, Mums on a Mission, Project Colt, Light Up BAHC, and Calder Valley Strollers, have joined Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees in this initiative.
Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees are currently progressing toward accreditation, and their new walking tennis sessions, running until October 2025, support this goal by promoting physical activity among Calderdale residents.
Walking Tennis reduces inequalities by being a low-impact activity that removes running or fast movements, making it accessible to everyone in the community.
Sessions take place every Wednesday at 10 am at Queens Sports Club, Moorlands View, Halifax HX1 2XQ, with both indoor and outdoor courts available, depending on the weather.
Participants have enjoyed the fresh air, with one noting it was perfect for rehabilitation after a recent surgery. Others expressed their satisfaction with overcoming initial nervousness to join in:
“I was nervous about coming but I have really enjoyed it. I’m so glad I came.”
Building on the success of their initial sessions, Age UK has launched an additional free session on Tuesday afternoons, open to all abilities.
These new sessions combine Walking Tennis with music, allowing participants to learn new skills, get fit, and enjoy dancing to their favourite tunes. The session starts at 2 pm, lasts about an hour, and includes refreshments and a chance to get social afterwards.
If you’re interested in joining either of the walking tennis sessions please contact Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees on 01422 252 040 or email info@queenssportsclub.co.uk.
If you’re a group or organisation and are interested in finding out more about Quality 4 Health + Wellbeing, please contact Tamsin at tamsin.woodhead@cvac.org.uk
