Dave Marray's Break Point tennis column: Your chance to see the Davis Cup trophy in Sheffield

The year of 2015 was another amazing one in British Tennis as the Great Britain team historically won the Davis Cup, the World Cup of tennis, for the first time since 1936.

Inspired by Andy Murray and with some great performances by the rest of the team, it was the culmination of a remarkable journey that saw Great Britain recover from the lower reaches of the competition only a few years ago to achieve a triumphant victory in Belgium back in November.

The success has provided another fantastic platform to get more people involved in tennis - and now the famous trophy is on its way to Sheffield. The Davis Cup, believed to be the largest trophy in world sport, will be on display at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre on Monday, April 18 from 1pm-6pm.

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It’s part of a national trophy tour and will provide the opportunity for the public to come and see the prestigious trophy, and have their photo taken with it.

A range of activities will also take place as part of the day, alongside the trophy viewing - including schools coaching, Tennis Factory activity stations and a Davis Cup mini tennis team competition.

The public are welcome to turn up on the day free of charge and can also book in advance at www.clubspark.lta.org.uk.

The trophy tour is only one part of the Davis Cup Legacy programme that is being delivered by the Lawn Tennis Association in partnership with local clubs.

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The Tennis for Kids initiative that has recently been launched to prove free tennis coaching for children between five and eight years of age who are new to tennis, and includes a free racket for children that attend regularly.

A number of local clubs are taking part in the initiative including Abbeydale, Brentwood, Fulwood, Hallamshire, Hallam Grange, Rustlings. Sessions start in early May.

Sheffield is well placed to take advantage of the increased interest in tennis as a result of the Davis Cup. A groundbreaking new parks programme was launched last year in partnership with Sheffield City Council and Premier Tennis. This provided coaching and online booking at six parks spread across the city. The £16 million redevelopment of Graves Tennis and Leisure Centre is continuing to progress well, with the new facilities including two additional tennis courts, due to be completed by September.

The tennis clubs in Sheffield continue to offer a range of opportunities for children and adults to get involved in our great sport.

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Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to come along to Ponds Forge and have your photo taken with one of the iconic trophies in world sport.

Great British Tennis Open Day Season

With the summer tennis season upon us, it’s a great time to get involved with some free tennis in your area. Over the coming months, numerous local tennis clubs will be hosting free tennis open days or Great British Tennis Weekends. These days are an opportunity for tennis clubs to offer coaching, fun competition, and free court time to the public as well as showcasing their facilitates.

Hallam Grange Tennis Club, in the Fulwood area of Sheffield, will be hosting a free open day on Sunday, April 24, from 1pm. To book an activity at Hallam Grange or to find the nearest club to you that is hosting an open day, simply visit www.clubspark.lta.org.uk and search for the club or enter your postcode. A list of venues will appear, along with the dates and activities they will be running on the day.