Lifestyles are changing and becoming faster every day and this can often be unhealthy, especially for the young. Some side effects of this new age include disappearing family structures, a breakdown in regular eating habits and a lack of will to stretch the mind and the body. In a time of such social change, these challenges can only be addressed through encouragement and opportunity, not by control.

'Kids on Court 'seeks to address this need by stimulating interest in the exciting and challenging game of tennis. It is the largest campaign that we have organised and our aim is to take tennis into every state primary school in the country. Encouraging youngsters of eight and nine to get involved in such a healthy and sociable activity gives them an interest and a chance to be successful. Other charities rescue. We're different - we give kids a chance!

"My love of tennis isn't exactly a secret. Since Sue Barker tried to teach me a decent cross court forehand way back in the 1980s, I've grabbed every opportunity to get on court and just hit balls. I find it's the perfect work-out and the best way to get rid of all the pressure and stress of a busy schedule.

It was nine years ago that I set up the Cliff Richard Tennis Foundation for the simple reason that I wanted more of our kids to share my enjoyment and to get them excited about something that could only improve their lives - physically and socially. Over the years the Foundation has been hugely successful and some 150,000 primary school children have been introduced to the sport.

But now it's time to change to an even higher gear, to try and combat the increasing tendency for youngsters to adopt couch-potato or street-corner lifestyles. Discovering tennis at an early age can literally provide a lifetime's pleasure. It gives kids a chance to succeed, an opportunity to meet new friends and a healthy and active lifestyle."

Sir Cliff Richard, OBE