Lucie Ahl (former GB no.1 and Flybe ambassador) and Debbie Hale (LTA Talent & Performance Co-ordinator for Devon & Cornwall) took a team of 8 players from Devon and Cornwall to Jersey over the weekend of 07-08 May to play some of the Channel Islands’ top youngsters.
Team Flybe comprised Oscar Pringle, Janner Bindiren, Dan Hocking, Will Daniell, Sam Hopper, Roo Woodleigh Smith, Aimee Polyblank and Beth Cooper.
For many players, travelling without parents or staying away overnight for the first time, this was going to be a real test but Flybe made the occasion really special by arranging a photo shoot for the players on departure.
The Caesarean Tennis Club, a lively club with great participation at all ages and many of the Channel Islands’ best tennis players, hosted the weekend event.
The weekend had a packed itinerary with morning fitness sessions at 8.45am, tennis training from 10am to 12 noon and competition after lunch. The excitement and anticipation felt by the players meant little sleep was achieved, particularly by the boys!
Competition took place after lunch with each team having 15 minutes to ensure they were fully warmed up physically, mentally and technically.
Saturday’s competition was a round robin matchplay and TEAM Flybe took home 18 rubbers to 4.
Sunday’s competition, a version of the Davis and Federation Cups, saw Team Jersey bringing in some new players and TEAM Flybe knew they would have their work cut out to repeat the previous day’s success but with a good lead from the day before the team were positive and ready to win.
TEAM Flybe got off to a bad start losing 3 rubbers in a row, with a great win from Aimee to stop the run. A win by Sam Hopper narrowed the gap but not for long. Another 3 rubbers passed to Jersey and Captain Lucie Ahl was feeling anxious, “our boys have definitely learnt they need to rest and get a good night’s sleep!”.
The girls all had very close matches, just missing out on a few rubbers but with success in the doubles which Aimee and Roo won 7-2. Janner and Oscar found themselves up against the Channel Isles’ top players but had some great games. Dan Hocking and Will Daniell playing orange ball took their matches to 3 sets and Will coming back from 6-2 down to win 8-6 became a life saving match.
The overall score:
Saturday: JERSEY -4 TEAM Flybe - 18
Sunday: JERSEY - 16 TEAM Flybe - 4
TEAM Flybe narrowly took the competition 22 rubbers to 20.
After a celebration ice cream and with the sun still shining, TEAM Flybe headed off to the airport to return home and reflect on their performances over the weekend.
Debbie Hale commented, “The experience of allowing players to look into the future and recognise what a life in tennis may consist of; responsibility of packing and preparing for a tournament away from home, pre and post match preparation, travelling individually or as a team, is very valuable even at this young age.
The trip was a fantastic success and a tremendous experience for all the players concerned. Sincere thanks to the Caesarean Club and its members for their great support and Flybe for making it possible.”
The players were heard to say, “We can’t wait for the next one!”
TEAM Flybe is a new initiative created by Devon LTA and Tennis Cornwall with the support of Lucie Ahl (former GB no. 1) and Flybe. TEAM Flybe’s role is to support players in a full time training programme, committed to the Flybe Mini Master Circuit and weighted to those competing regionally and nationally.
Flybe will offer 8 player places for orange and green ball players to travel with Lucie Ahl to a High Performing Tennis Centre to allow the players to train and compete as a team with similar or National standard players. Lucie Ahl will be providing tournament support at local grade 2 events and running training camps. TEAM Flybe will be selected for a season and then refreshed.