Talbot Combined School year four pupils were treated to a professional tennis experience at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton last week.
The 50 pupils aged eight and nine from Poole, were taken to the National Tennis Centre after their School Sport Coordinator, Deborah Wheatley, won the Inaugural Schools Tennis Award from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) at the British Tennis Awards in 2010.
Wheatley was praised for improving access to tennis for 900 five to 19-year-olds from 45 primary, secondary and sports colleges in the area, and Poole was recognised as one of the top performing School Sports Partnerships in the country for tennis.
She said: “We would like to thank the Tennis Foundation for allowing us to both visit and use the facilities at the National Tennis Centre.
“Today has certainly been the stuff that memories are made from, a truly inspiring venue, a unique opportunity and an exceptionally enjoyable experience. The children have made me agree to run another event for them back at school so that they can use their new tennis skills.”
Throughout the day the young players were taken on a tour of the National Tennis Centre, had the chance to play on the courts and also meet, greet and quiz Marc McCarroll, one of Britain’s wheelchair tennis players and number 19 in the world rankings.
Tom Gibbins, Head of Education at the Tennis Foundation said: “The pupils had a fantastic day and really enjoyed the experience. It was great to be able to reward and recognise the positive work that’s been going on in Poole, to help more children play tennis and grow the game.”
Deborah Wheatley added: “None of the work would have taken place without the Year 12 sports leaders from Parkstone Grammar School. They were the ones who delivered the festivals which won us last year’s award and again delivered the event at the NTC.
“They have been, and continue to be a most amazing and dedicated group to work with and have now delivered sporting opportunities for over 1500 young people of Poole, which includes over 600 pupils from Years 2, 3, 4 and 5 playing tennis. They should be extremely proud of what they have achieved this year.”
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