The North East saw 40 girls play in a pre-summer season Team Challenge Doubles Clinic and event at Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis & Wellness Centre on Saturday 30th March.
The event filled within three days of being advertised and continues to build the momentum that is seeing hundreds more girls competing across the region.
The day started off with volley skill development in small spaces, where the girls were challenged to use soft hands and controlled patterns with agility and team building. Following this Libby Fletcher, who is a Doubles coach specialist at Tennis World, Middlesbrough shared her expertise from her own playing days along with recently coaching Joss Rae (who reached a world ranking of Top 70). Libby and her team of coaches Hannah Jeffrey (Boldon LTC), Jo Cunliffe (LTA) and Ashleigh Baines (Sunderland TC) delivered drills including volley interceptions, communication and court positioning. It was a fast paced, fun part of the day and prepared the players for the Team Challenge in the afternoon.
Julie Arthur (Level 2 Coach) then took over to run the Team Challenge event. Players were put into teams and played against each other on their relevant courts. Julie also incorporated off court tennis roles to give the girls a chance to be umpires, ball girls and lines judge. This enabled the girls to learn skills such as organising, communicating and leading.
The atmosphere throughout the day was full of positivity, team work and togetherness. One player summed it up perfectly:
“We did all sorts of really cool drills and I definitely learnt some new tips! We had loads of fun!”
The team players came from local tennis clubs including Beverley Park, Boldon, Collingwood/Cullercoats, Cramlington, David Lloyd Sunderland, David Lloyd Teesside, Durham Archery, Forest Hall, Shotley & Benfieldside, Sunderland Tennis Centre, Tennis@Churchill, Tennis World and Yarm.
The players will now return to represent their Clubs local tennis events including LTA Team Tennis, local leagues and competitions.
Jo Cunliffe (Workforce Development Partner) from the LTA expressed her delight:
“Today was incredible, and an example of creating the right environment to help our players enjoy our sport. The response to the event was fantastic and we wish the girls continue success over the coming months!”
The North East Women and Girls Programme is supported through the LTA, GB Tennis Girls and the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative.
For more information please contact:
Jo Cunliffe (Workforce Development Partner) on 07958 233715 or Jo.Cunliffe@LTA.org.uk