On Easter Saturday, Maz Veater (y11), Tom Hunt (y11), Kira Harding (y12) and George Beechener (y13), who are longstanding members of Writhlington Tennis, were invited to attend a 'regional young volunteers forum' at Bath University. The course, which was provided by the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association - the Governing body for UK tennis) aimed to advertise the potential career paths available in the sport. Andy Trott, one of the LTA's Tennis Development Officers wanted to emphasise that sports coaching is not the only option open for young people. Indeed, there are many ways to pursue a career in tennis, - or any sport for that matter - such as in marketing, running your own club, working for the LTA, or developing new tennis 'products' that aim to increase participation in the sport.
One of these products was demonstrated to the students on the course,who each took part in 'cardio tennis' - a fitness workout that involved basic tennis skills. Other activities during the day included running a 'mini tennis' tournament, on small courts with sponge balls; something that Writhlington is in fact doing already! We also designed their own dream club, and discussed ways to make it a profitable business, then making a Dragons Den stye presentation to see if others saw the value in their ideas.
With two of the students involved beginning Writhington’s 'Tennis Pathway for their A Level choices next year, we hope to see an uplift in tennis participation throughout the school, using these new ideas to get people involved and try something new!