Pictured L-R:Tom O' Loughlin, Chairman of Parks Tennis, James Cluskey , Irish Professional Tennis Player,Kay Lonergan , Secretary Administrator and Fergal Harrington , Maxol Group Brand Development Manager.
Maxol is delighted to announce that is has become the title sponsor of Parks Tennis. The Parks Tennis organisation provides tennis coaching at grass roots level to 25,000 girls and boys between 5 and 17 years old. During the schools summer holidays, Parks Tennis brings tennis coaching at a very low cost to children from all social backgrounds at 150 tennis facilities in communities nationwide. In Dublin, Cork, and Belfast, the Parks Tennis programme operates all year round.
Tennis is reputedly the 4th most popular sport in the world and it is extremely popular in Ireland, especially during the summer and Wimbledon season. Commenting on the Maxol Parks Tennis partnership, Fergal Harrington, Group Brand Development Manager, Maxol said
"Partnering with Parks Tennis is a unique opportunity for Maxol to support an All-Ireland community sports programme, which since 1977 has focused on fun, participation and social integration – all values important to Maxol. Many of Maxol's 230 service stations and the business people and their families who run them are at the heart of the same communities where the tennis facilities are located and Maxol is supporting Parks Tennis to ensure that as many children as possible get the opportunity to give tennis a try – a sport which can be played throughout their lives. The Parks Tennis Programme has given a number of Ireland's international players their start in tennis. One such notable is James Cluskey, current Irish Professional Tennis player who helped launch Maxol's sponsorship. James said 'Parks tennis was my first memory of tennis. I was first introduced to the game through Parks and I loved it. I was quite shy as a kid and the program gave me a great social outlet to make new friends and play tennis. I want to see every child in Ireland try tennis at some point and Parks Tennis gives every them the opportunity to do this'.
For parents wanting their children to spend their spare time learning a sport, getting exercise and making friends then - Maxol Parks Tennis is the place for you. Upcoming Parks Tennis Events: Dublin 'AFTER EASTER' classes begin between 5th and 9th of May at selected locations – see www.parkstennis.com. Nationwide Summer (July/August) programme details and entry forms will be available from Maxol service stations from 13th April. Parks Tennis is in operation for 37 years, run by 28 volunteers and supported by various organizations, such as The Irish Sports Council, the national Governing body, Tennis Ireland, various Local Authorities and Irish Daily Mail.