“Tennis has helped me get my life back on track. I wish the same for others.” 

Playing free tennis, meeting new people and working on your health: this is what Straat Tennis Pro stands for. Initiator Sjoerd started the project three and a half years ago, in the middle of corona time on a tennis court on Van Loonstraat. “The tennis court always looked deserted. Then I thought: there must be life here.”

What started as a simple idea soon grew into a meeting place for all kinds of different people. Young people from the neighbourhood, the elderly, people feeling lonely and newcomers from different countries: everyone is welcome. “In the beginning, I even often picked people up. Now they know how to find the field themselves,” says Sjoerd.

Street tennis is about more than exercise. According to Sjoerd, playing tennis also helps mentally. “You learn to deal with setbacks, stay sharp and become stronger in your head. You take that into your daily life as well.”

In addition, the training sessions also provide connection. Participants get to know each other, make new friends and help each other out. “People also meet up with each other outside the training sessions. I like seeing that.”

In developing the project further, Sjoerd received help from community worker Menno from Amaryllis. His support included applying for grants and promoting Street Tennis Pro. “Sjoerd set this up himself. I mainly help take it further,” Menno says.

Together, they are looking to the future. For instance, Sjoerd would like to get his diploma as a tennis instructor and expand the project to other target groups. For instance, he would like more young people to join his group who could use the extra support.

For Sjoerd, Street Tennis Pro means a lot personally. “Tennis has helped me get my life back on track. I wish the same for others.” His message is clear: “Just visit once. It really helps, both physically and mentally.”

Every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., tennis is played on the field next to the skate park on Van Loonstraat in Leeuwarden. Registration is not necessary. “It's all non-committal. You can just come by and join in.”

Find one of our community workers. They are present in your neighbourhood or village and will be happy to help you!