FORMER Arsenal and England footballer Ian Wright returned to his roots to help promote another ball game tennis.

Wright, born in nearby Woolwich, was at Eltham Park South last week to help launch a nationwideprogramme aimed at making tennis more acessible to a new generation of young players.

The site in Eltham will become the new City Tennis Club one of 20 being opened around Britain.

Wright said: "I am as passionate about tennis as I am about football.

"The new facilities in Eltham should be ready early next year and I want to see more inner-city children given the chance to play on courts which are kept in good condition and that are affordable.

"The idea is that each club offers community access to tennis courts, often under floodlights where children as young as four can play.

"The upgraded facilities will be supported by year-round coaching sessions and competitive programmes, involving other local tennis clubs."

Greenwich Councillor Peter Challis said: "We are delighted the LTA has selected us as one of the first to benefit from this project. It is hoped to further expand interest in tennis in the borough.

December 11, 2001 13:19