While Andy Murray took his place in British tennis history as the first man to win Wimbledon in 77 years, clubs across the nation were feeling the Murray effect, especially at Stony Stratford Tennis Club!
The anticipation and attention that surrounded the final on Sunday 7th July was captured at the club as they hosted their Annual Generations Tournament whereby juniors and adults play doubles together in this fun family event. This is the 4th year that the event has been held prior to the Men’s Wimbledon final and each year it has proved to be a big hit. With the youngest competitor being 4 years old through to retired veterans, the true social spirit of tennis being a game for all ages and abilities was on show.
There were three divisions based on the ability and in division C which was played on mini tennis courts saw the pairing of Julie Williams and Granddaughter Anna Cooke take the gold medals with 4 year old Joe and father Mike Mumford coming second. In division B it was an Uncle and Nephew duo that took the honours as Chris Cooke and 8 year old Louis Cooke won all their matches. Runners up were 10 year old Jake and father Richard Patterson who came very close in the final. In division A there were some terrific matches with some of the higher level juniors really turning it on! Eventual victors were 13 year old Jonny Reed and father Rob who overcame 12 year old Josh Stapleton and adult club member / BBQ Chef for the day, Phil Marsh.
Stony Stratford Tennis Club and Tennis Works Director of Tennis, John Cavill, was running the tournament and said, ”It’s been an amazing day for everyone involved and with Murray winning the final is the icing on the cake. Coaches and club committees work endlessly all year round to get people playing the game and to provide them with great facilities. Today shows how much fun tennis is at all levels with players from 4 years old on their local courts to professional athletes like Andy Murray on the Centre court of Wimbledon. It truly is a wonderful sport and I’d encourage everyone to give it a go whether you’re aspiring to be the next Andy or to have some good social fun.”
Andy Murray’s historic victory at Wimbledon has sent tennis to the centre of the media spotlight with even more people wishing to take up tennis and this week the club has already received a large number of calls from people around Milton Keynes. The next Murray must be out there, so could it be you?
Furthermore, Tennis Works who run the coaching programme at the club are offering a free trial session for anyone to give it a go. To find out more, please visit www.ssltc.co.uk.