Got the tennis bug? How to play sport without paying

ByKevin PeacheyCost of living correspondentPublished4 hours agoAs fans queue up at Wimbledon in the hope of securing a ticket to watch some of the biggest names in sport, many tennis lovers face another challenge.

Trying to book a court to play at this time of year can be as hard as returning a professonal tennis player's serve.

And families trying to be healthy, active and entertained by any sports often face another hurdle - money.

"Record numbers of adults and children are active, and cost should never be a barrier," says Simon Hayes, chief executive of Sport England, which is responsible for growing participation in grassroots sport.

"But the reality is that for many people and families, amid rising bills, it's increasingly a concern - particularly in the communities which face the greatest challenges.

Image source, Getty ImagesFootball - with the men's World Cup currently giving it unrivalled prominence - is often held up as a mass participation sport because it is so cheap to play.

However, the well-versed ball and jumpers for goalposts claims may ignore the cost to families of kit, club fees and transport to matches.

Tennis has faced a more complex reputation, with some considering it to have been an elitist sport.

But anyone wanting to try tennis, without the costs of hiring a court or any of the equipment, can attend free sessions - often on Saturday mornings - as part of a Lawn Tennis Association scheme.

Anyone can search for a park near you running the sessions, external, although not every area of the UK is covered.

Beyond tennis, there are a host of leisure centres which offer free fitness class taster sessions, external.

Cricket is another high-profile summer sport. The Chance to Shine charity runs hundreds of free street cricket sessions, external around the country throughout the year - often within walking distance of children living in poorer areas.