GXLTC Academy Awards 2014 held on 24th January 2015

The Twelth Academy Awards were presented in the Clubhouse to the junior players involved in Tennace GXLTC Bull Lane’s Academy and Tennace Performance Mini Tennis. Everyone had a great evening; celebrating 2014 and seeing a tremendous workout by British number 1 Heather Watson with emphasis on attitude. This was exemplified by Assistant coach of the year Mark McGuinness and the new self-discipline procedure described by Tennace coach Dan Shepherd. A number of juniors spoke as the awards were presented.

Tennace Director and Head Professional Andy Scholfield thanked Treasurer Amanda Hobbs, parents, players, and Tennace Coaching Team James Martin, Alex Allen, with welcoming great new coaches Dan Shepherd and Peter Bresnen; an excellent Tennace coaching team available to all levels of players. Tennace GXLTC Acadedemy continues to help subsidise younger performance players with a new Aspirantes Programme initiated in September 2012. GXLTC Academy and Mini Tennis Performance Squads offer a great opportunity for players to progress to a higher level but they must have the desire to seize the opportunity to play as often as possible. It was not coincidence that the main awards went to players who compete and train the most! This is the 13^th year of the Academy and has been a year of re-growth, with more playing opportunities many more tournaments and a great new Coaching Team.  The new Junior Ambassador is James Alex Onn (18 John Hampden school). He is an excellent role model for the club having trained at the Club for over 9 years. He has assisted with the Tennace Coaching Programme for four years. However he has progressed so well that he now even leads the coaching with some Mini Tennis squads. 

Will Evans (11 St Joseph’s School), Manasi Kumar (11 St Joseph’s School), Carys Evans (15 Dr Challoners High School) and Elliot Hobbs (14 John Hampden School) won ‘Best Intensity in training’. The more intense players are in training the quicker they will improve!  

Male Player of the year was Dan Buckeldee who played consistently well in all tournaments during 2014; he also won with team of the year U14 Boys County Champions which included Elliot Hobbs, George Emmins, James Eykyn and Sam Grafham. Laura Wilson (Dr Challoners High School) was the female player of the year. She competed in 123 matches during 2014; she also won most improved attitude! Laura’s contribution emphasised how playing matches really helps a players mental application to their tennis. 

Other County division1 Aegon Team Tennis winners: Green  (under 10), and Red (under 8) A and B teams:  Wiehan Van Wyk (12) (Thorpe House School) achieved most improved player; Aneka Patel (Maltmans Green) competed in 177 matches and Seb Mellows (Gerrards Cross C of E School) competed in 212 matches won Tournament most committed performers. Mini Tennis awards were presented to over 18 players in categories for ‘Most Committed’, Best Effort in training’ and Most improved. However Andy emphasised the coaches were delighted with all players efforts! Tennace GXLTC Academy will continue to evolve with tournament tours to be organised for 2015. The Tennace at GXLTC club opportunities continues to offer Aegon Team Tennis starting in April, One Day tournaments, Road to Wimbledon and Club Championships starting after Easter.

All players were presented with free T shirts at the end of the Award.

Andy Scholfield, Tennace GXLTC Academy Director.            For more information contact andy on 07791912490 and see www.Tennace.com.