Tennis Jamaica launched the first of its Play and Stay Programme workshops in May Pen last week Saturday.

The workshop, held at St Thomas More Preparatory School, was attended by several local junior players, their coaches and parents, with instruction from Tennis Jamaica Play and Stay head coach Evan Williams.

Williams was assisted by Play and Stay Coach, Thomas Plummer and assistant coach Godfrey Gregory.

Play and Stay was introduced worldwide by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and is primarily aimed at starter players (usually under 10 years old) and their coaches, encouraging them to use the slower red, orange and green balls in both training and competition.

The Play and Stay Programme also introduces and encourages the use of different formats and scoring systems to match competition to the ages and skill levels of the players.

The campaign shows that tennis can be easy and fun if starter players use the slower balls on smaller courts.

Play and Stay rules for 10 and Under competitions are in effect worldwide as of this month.

The Play and Stay workshops are aimed at those interested in learning about, and teaching tennis using the Play and Stay format. Attendees are familiarised with the modified rules, scoring format and equipment, through presentations, on-court demonstration and participation.

All workshops are free of cost to all participants.