Manders Tennis Management is set to host their annual Red Ball Championships at Fairmont Southampton Tennis Club on Sunday, March 15.

The event will feature under-6, under-8, under-10 and under-12 competitions and will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm

Red ball has proved a great way for players to start out in tennis and is predominantly targeted at younger players, played on smaller courts with shorter rackets and softer balls.

It is just like the full format of the game and gives players opportunities to have long rallies and play different types of shots.

The ball is 75 per cent slower than a yellow ball, which has been developed to make it easier for beginner and recreational children as well as adult players to learn the game, and thus enhance their enjoyment of tennis.

“We’re hoping to have bigger numbers than we’ve had before,” said Gavin Manders, of Manders Tennis Management, who watched more than 60 children turn out to one of their events last summer.

“With the smaller courts and slower ball, children get the opportunity to be more successful in the sport at a much younger age and become interested in tennis.

“We try and host multiple events throughout the year because that way we give the kids an opportunity to keep playing and stay interested.

“We are trying to show the younger ages that it’s not just football, cricket, athletics or whatever they are doing, tennis can also be an option.

“Children these days play a whole host of sports and so we are trying the best we can to show them that tennis is here and we can provide it for the younger players.”