Rarely out of the news for their selfless commitment to junior tennis under the tireless leadership of Dave Harding (Chairman), Molly Pope (Sec), Sheila Thomas (Treasurer) and Head Coach Rachael Jacobs, Cary Park JLT has been awarded LTA Beacon Status.
They join a select band of tennis clubs nationwide that have been recognised for their high quality, affordable community tennis programmes.
It is recognition of Cary Park’s outstanding community-focussed facilities, as part of the AEGON Parks Tennis.
The programme is delivered by the LTA in partnership with the Tennis Foundation as part of British Tennis’ commitment to widen access to tennis and ever since the Cary Park Junior Tennis Club was formed in October 2001, they have achieved all their goals and more.
To become a ‘Beacon’ site, all facilities must offer some access to free tennis, plus quality, affordable coaching and regular competitions for all ages and abilities.
Five years ago when Torbay MP Adrian Sanders officially opened the new clubhouse, Cary Park chairman Dave Harding said: “We are a small friendly community-based club and the clubhouse is the first phase of a ten-year plan.
Harding and his committee remain true to their word and fast forward another five years and there has been decade of achievement with floodlighting installed last year and now the prestigious Beacon Status Award.
“It’s all very exciting,” said coach Rachael Jacobs, “and Georgina Loosemore (Devon LTA Development Officer) will be officially presenting the award to us.”
On Thursday, Rachael was busy on court with Kim Smith, one of the senior members of the amalgamated club, Marine, that used to be based at Victoria Park, Paignton.
Marine has become a natural transition into senior tennis for many of the Cary Park juniors and both the senior and junior section work well together.
Rachael, who lives in Kingsteignton, says that the junior club has entered a girls’ and boy’s team in the AEGON junior 14 and under league and she will be very much part of the selection process at the trials for the Torbay team for the 2011 Devon Games to Inspire in June.
Form more information on Cary Park Tennis Club and the facilities they offer, contact Rachael Jacobs 07841 385145 or email rachael@caryparktennis.co.uk
Article & photo courtesy of photo journalist, Tony Atkins
tony.atkins2@btinternet.com