Just days after competing at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, members of the England Hockey Women’s and Men’s teams including Tom Carson and Kirsty Mackay joined British Wheelchair Tennis Paralympic medallists Jordanne Whiley and Lucy Shuker to officially open the £30 million centre that has been adapted from Eton Manor – the only purpose-built Paralympic venue.

Local schools including Chobham Academy, University of East London’s tennis club, East London and Waltham Forest hockey clubs and the east London based FRE Flyers community group were among the first to test out the new facilities which feature striking blue tennis courts of the same standard as those used in the US Open and two floodlit, international competition standard hockey pitches with a stunning Union Jack design.

Members of the public will have their first chance to take part in both sports at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Saturday 21 June when the venue will host a free Family Fun Day.

The fun day is part of the Great British Tennis Weekend which is supported by the Lawn Tennis Association and Tennis Foundation. Visitors can try Cardio Tennis, a great way to burn off excess calories, Mini Tennis, a national scheme to teach children core tennis skills and various forms of Disability Tennis. There will also be a chance to play Quicksticks, aimed at introducing hockey to seven to 11-year-olds, brought to visitors by England Hockey.