A football club has served up an unexpected ace - a tennis programme for teenage girls.

The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has launched the new tennis scheme, which aimed at girls aged between 13 and 19.

Based at Bush Hill Park Tennis Club, in Abbey Road, Enfield, the 30-week programme will give girls of all abilities a chance to develop their tennis skills.

The scheme is part of the foundation’s Premier League 4 Sport which sees coaches delivering a range of sporting activities to young people in 22 clubs, schools and community sports hubs across Haringey, Enfield, Barnet and Waltham Forest.

Grant Cornwell, the foundation's chief executive officer, said: “Traditionally, many young people in inner-city London have had limited access to tennis coaching and facilities. However, through the Premier League 4 Sport programme we hope to create opportunities for young women from across our boroughs to participate in fun, accessible tennis sessions.

“Young people who take part in these sessions will not only improve their tennis ability, but also their social skills, helping them to build self-esteem and develop positive attitudes.”