PLAYERS both old and new are being encouraged to pick up a racket and join in the fun at Dunfermline Tennis Club this weekend.

The Bothwell Street club, the oldest in Scotland that is still in existence on its original site, having been founded in 1879, are hosting an open day on Saturday.

Running between 1.30-4pm, an action-packed programme of family activities will be on offer across the club's five Tiger Turf Advantage Pro artificial grass courts, with prizes to be won.

Home baking will also be on sale inside the clubhouse, whilst those in attendance will have the opportunity to meet the club's friendly coaches and members.

Coaches at the club include Alan Russell, who returned last year to take on the role as head coach, and who will be assisted by his son, Mike, a lifelong member at Dunfermline, who will also lead their junior programme.

Mike has built upxperience working abroad with Mark Warner and Neilson Active Holidays as a tennis coach, as well as with David Lloyd Health Club in Dundee, where he has most recently been working as their rackets manager.

Another club coach is Alessia Palmieri, who we reported last week had been named as Development Coach of the Year at the 2023 Tennis Scotland Awards.

Alessia had been due to work alongside Alan as joint head coach but, due to her commitments elsewhere, at Fossoway Tennis Club, in Crook of Devon, and Adam Brown Tennis Academy, which has bases in Gleneagles and Bridge of Allan, she would not be taking up the position, but is to continue coaching and developing women's tennis at Dunfermline.

All are welcome to attend the open day and, for more information, you can find the club on Facebook.