Projects…

Social Integration through Tennis 2023/24

From October 2023, we are supporting asylum seekers and foreign nationals with the opportunity to receive free tennis coaching as well as access to Waterloo Tennis Club.

Each coaching programme lasts for 6 weeks and is open to both adults and children: Thursdays at 12:30pm at Waterloo Tennis Club (L22 3XG) for adults, Fridays at 5pm at Crosby Leisure Centre (L23 6SX) for under 10s and Sundays at 3pm at Waterloo Tennis Club for over 10s. We are currently working with Asylum Link; The British Red Cross; Waterloo Community Centre; South Sefton Ukraine Welcome Centre; local schools and Sefton CVS to facilitate this project effectively. We are always looking for additional partners to help us develop our projects further. This project is funded by the National Lottery Awards for All and will run into Autumn 2024.

Summer Holiday Club

From July 19th to 4th September 2023 we ran a Summer holiday club for juniors at Waterloo Tennis Club. Daily activities included tennis coaching and related games, dodgeball, rounders, den building, outdoor games such as hide and seek and some indoor activities such as arts and crafts. We provided free fruit for children to snack on throughout the project, which went down really well (especially the watermelon and strawberries!). We were also treated to some wonderful encounters with wildlife in the Tennis Club’s sizeable woodland area: the children were excited by hunting for bugs, sightings of squirrels and visits from foxes! We were pleased to support working parents in our local community over this period, and their feedback on the project was excellent. It was partially funded by the Youth Diversion Fund, associated with Community Foundation for Merseyside and Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner.

Testimonials…

“We chose Waterloo Hot Shots as our son has been having tennis lessons with John for the past year. In the previous school holidays we have used the holiday club at his school however this year our son (aged 8.5) told us he did not want to go there and wanted an alternative. As soon as we mentioned Waterloo Hotshots with John his eyes lit up and he immediately said he wanted to go as he thoroughly enjoys being down at the tennis club with John.”

AnonWaterloo Hotshots

“Both my husband and I are self employed so the school holidays are always a challenging juggle trying to work and look after the children. Waterloo Hotshots allowed us both to work on important client projects throughout the entire summer holidays. In previous summer holidays we’ve only had holiday club (at his school) for a couple of weeks which meant both of us had to take extra time away from our businesses to cover childcare gaps.”

AnonWaterloo Hotshots

“We have been thrilled with the provision provided by John. Our son told us it was the best ever and has already told me he wants to go every school holiday which is a huge compliment coming from him! He bounced into camp every day and come home really happy (& exhausted!). He’s loved every minute, made some new friends and his tennis has improved which has fostered his enjoyment of the sport even more. A huge thanks to John and all the Waterloo Hotshots team for a fabulous summer!”

AnonWaterloo Hotshots

“We always want to give the children different activities to do over holiday periods, ideally a mix of sports or activities but something physical. We also want to give them access to something they may not normally do to give them new experiences.
Kids loved it. They also really liked the fruit- and although I packed some each day- they loved the selection. It was a nice surprise but I wasn’t aware of it (I probably missed the note somewhere).”

AnonWaterloo Hotshots

“Decided to bring my son as it’s location is close to home and I think being outside would benefit him. Continued to bring him back as he absolutely loved the club and the varied activities provided. I used 3 different clubs the first 3 weeks and only ended up using this one as my son enjoyed it so much. He also made a few new friends and played with some old friends.”

AnonWaterloo Hotshots

“Brilliant idea, location and grounds were fantastic for the children to do sport activities, crafting and play outdoors and explore. The wood area at the back and seeing all bugs and wildlife was my son’s favourite part.”

AnonWaterloo Hotshots

“A chance to learn a new skill, reasonable prices and in close proximity. We brought them back because the children really enjoyed the experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the sessions with John and his team. Are already looking forward to returning next summer.”

AnonWaterloo Hotshots

“My two children, aged 5 and 7, enjoy the after-school club Tennis and my daughter in particular who usually is nervous/anxious trying new things and activities felt very comfortable under Johns care. I liked the varied activities offered as well as Tennis. The children have made new friends and grown in confidence so as a family we are very happy with the club.”

AnonWaterloo Hotshots

“As a Mum it was great to see the unlimited supply of fruits – it encourages positive snacking and I worried less about filling their pack lunches. My son in particular has tried very many clubs (5 this summer to be specific) and Tennis was his favourite. I wouldn’t say the reasoning for this was the Tennis as Tennis is a new hobby to him and he plays lots of sports but I believe it was because of the safe, fun environment with structure and free time.”

AnonWaterloo Hotshots

“My two children went to Hotshots for the summer and loved it, they loved the varied activities provided. The timings worked well with work too. It’s meant that they are not at work with me for some of the holidays. They’ve loved the activities and being outdoors. They’ve had the best summer there, thank you.”

AnonWaterloo Hotshots