- ● 3 North East based female coaches supported a regional She Rallies Event in Manchester, May 31st
- ● Julie Arthur (Sunderland), Stacey Scott (South Shields) and Kerry Smith (Newcastle)
- ● The Activators were led by Judy Murray and local She Rallies Ambassador Stephanie Eadon (Washington)
3 North East based female coaches supported the North region’s She Rallies Event Wednesday May 31st in Manchester.
The programme is led by Judy Murray to inspire and train female volunteers and coaches, with the ultimate aim to encourage more women & girls into tennis.
From L to R: Julie Arthur, Judy Murray, and Stacey Scott
The day started off at The Northern Lawn Tennis Club in Didsbury where Judy supported the She Rallies Ambassadors deliver a Lil Miss-Hits exhibition workshop. This included North East Ambassador Stephanie Eadon, from Washington, along with 17 She Rallies Activators. Once again the North East was represented with Activators Julie Arthur (Sunderland), Stacey Scott (South Shields) and Kerry Smith (Newcastle) all helping to run the fun, colourful and social session!
Girls aged between 5-8 years from Kidzone, Manchester High School for Girls and local tennis clubs took part in the Lil Miss Hits session, which developed their movement and coordination, whilst emphasising fun and friendship.
The atmosphere was fantastic with everyone beaming, including the She Rallies Activators who will now be able to apply to attend a course through the free training programme being led by the Ambassadors. Once they have received the training they will be able to deliver in schools, clubs, community and sports centres.
From L to R: Stephanie Eadon, Judy Murray, Kerry Smith and Jo Cunliffe.
Following the morning session, the Ambassadors and Activators had lunch, which included a question and answer session with Judy Murray. It was great to hear where Judy had developed the She Rallies programme from and the impact that it is making already! The action packed day was concluded at Fletcher Moss Park Tennis Courts, which saw the Activators receive a training course on running fun recreational competition.
Making tennis fun, accessible and adaptable to attract more women and girls is the ambition of the She Rallies programme, which was devised by Judy herself,
“There is still a significant gap in terms of players and coaches at all levels of the women’s game. This has to change. She Rallies will create opportunities in tennis for women and girls from the grassroots through to international level."
Judy has devised 4 specific courses aimed exclusively at girls namely,
- ● Lil’ Miss-Hits for ages 5-8
- ● Girls Recreational Competitions
- ● Teen Girls Starter Tennis
- ● Girls Fun Days
The North East based Ambassador and Activators will be rallying together, along with more local women to get more girls in the area involved in the game. Julie Arthur highlighted her excitement at attending the Manchester event,
‘I am proud to have the opportunity to encourage women and girls into our sport. The whole day was absolutely fantastic. I met some lovely people who are part of this exciting opportunity, and I cannot wait to keep helping the female tennis family grow!"