The new Trinity Leeds extension, The Springs, has turned your standard retail trip into an all-out sporting spectacle. Until August 31, 2026, shoppers can grab a racket and play tennis for free on two full-size pop-up courts in the open-air plaza. No booking. No fees. No excuses. Just show up, smash a few balls, and soak in the energy. It’s the summer’s most unexpected crossover, and it’s redefining what a shopping centre can offer.
The initiative is powered by Tennis for Free, backed by Landsec and Yorkshire Tennis, with LTA coaches on hand to get you swinging. Whether you’re a seasoned player or haven’t touched a racket since school, this is your shot to play in the heart of the city without spending a penny. The buzz has been building all summer, and with the clock winding down, the plaza is louder than ever. This isn’t just a gimmick - it’s a full-blown movement that’s swapped retail therapy for rally therapy.
Here’s everything you need to know before you lace up and make your move.
The Setup: Courts, Kit, and Zero Cost
This pop-up isn’t some half-baked display - it’s two full-size courts dropped straight into the shopping centre’s main square. They’re open daily from 10:00 to 20:00, and the best part? You don’t need to bring a thing. Free rackets and balls are provided on-site, no deposit, no ID. Just walk up, claim a court on a first-come, first-served basis, and start playing. It’s a slick operation built to remove every barrier between you and the game.
Fancy a quick rally between shops? Go for it. Want to test your serve against a mate? Grab a court and let rip. The vibe is casual, welcoming, and completely free-flowing - no booking means you can dip in and out whenever the shopping bags get too heavy. The courts are staffed by LTA-qualified coaches, so there’s always someone nearby to offer a tip or two. But there’s zero pressure to perform. This is about having fun, getting active, and enjoying a sport that’s usually locked behind club memberships or pricey court fees.
📊 Over 4,200 participants since launch - The initiative has already drawn thousands of players, proving this idea has serious legs.
And the numbers back the hype. Since the courts opened on July 14, more than 4,200 people have taken part - and that figure keeps climbing. It’s a clear sign of how hungry the public is for accessible, free sport in unexpected places.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | The Springs, Trinity Leeds extension |
| Daily Hours | 10:00 - 20:00 |
| Court Size | Two full-size courts |
| Equipment | Free rackets & balls provided |
| Booking | Not required - first-come, first-served |
| Coaching | LTA-qualified coaches on-site |
| Rain Policy | Indoor mini-tennis in atrium |
| End Date | August 31, 2026 |
Coaching Clinics and Weekend Energy
New to the game or just keen to sharpen your skills? The pop-up has you covered. Every Saturday and Sunday, LTA coaches run free 30-minute mini-coaching sessions - once an hour, all day long. These aren’t watered-down tasters; they’re proper, structured sessions that break down the basics and get you rallying with confidence in no time. Kids love it, adults love it, and even the sceptics get hooked. The sessions are perfect for families looking to try something different, or for anyone who’s always fancied tennis but never knew where to start.
Coaches keep it energetic, inclusive, and genuinely fun - think high-fives and goal-setting, not military drills. The weekend crowd is electric. Shoppers pause mid-espresso to watch rallies unfold, kids chase balls with glee, and the plaza hums with the thwack of tennis balls hitting rackets. It’s turned a typical retail outing into a mini sporting event - and it’s all completely free. Don’t be surprised if you come for the shopping and stay for the smash.
