On Sunday 19 July, the Virgin Active Devonshire Club in Plymouth was again the venue for the second Flybe Team Challenge event for 8 & Under players.
8 teams from clubs in Devon & Cornwall came together to take part in this red ball competition being held as part of the Flybe support to grassroots tennis in the two Counties.
For many of the children, some as young as 5 and 6, this was the first time they had played in a competition so the opportunity to play as part of a team in such a friendly and supportive event was a great first experience. Some, who had enjoyed taking part in the first event back in February, had long been looking forward to having another go and were excited to at last have the opportunity. It was particularly great to see so many girls taking part and a special mention should go to St Ives Tennis Club who brought a team of 4 girls.
Playing a mixture of singles and doubles, the teams had a great day enjoying lots of tennis with the support of coaches and on-court helpers as well as the many parents and family members who came to watch.
It was an incredibly close competition all round but the eventual winners were Torquay Tennis Club who just overcame Plympton Tennis Club in the final. South Devon Tennis Centre were 3rd and Heron Tennis Centre were 4th.
When you think of a team game, tennis does not often spring to mind but it does lend itself well to the concept and team tennis is an ideal introduction to the sport for young children. This 8 & Under team event is a new addition to the mini tennis programme offered by the Devon & Cornwall LTAs whose aim is to encourage more children into the sport.