AEGON Schools Championships Epping Tennis Club 2012 Matt Smith, AEGON Coach of the Year 2011 and Head Coach at Epping Tennis Club, hosted the Yr3&4 West Essex Schools Mini Tennis Festival on 29th June 2012. 8 primary schools, 64 children, 128 matches, 16 tennis leaders, 3hrs... Incredible day of fun competition!
Eight local Primary Schools took part in the event, with eight players representing each. The 64 players ranged from children relatively new to the sport, alongside the more experienced players, with each pupil playing 4 matches throughout the day.
Schools involved were; Epping Primary School, Theydon Bois, Ivy Chimneys, Staples Road, Lambourne Primary, Bancroft’s Prep, Hillhouse Primary and Alderton Primary. The fun event was helped by Tennis Leaders from local Roding Valley Secondary school, who helped the scoring and rotation of the players through the day, who did a great job! Dave Harries West Essex School Sports Partnership Manager said: ‘I thought that it was superbly run with everyone very clear on the systematic approach of seeding and fixtures through a box league. The venue was perfect for the amount of competitors and the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all - pupils, leaders, parents and teachers!… A brilliant event! The Tennis Leaders were great! Matt made it clear what he expected from them and they were very capable as they proved to us. I look forward to the up-and-coming Yr7&8 Secondary Schools Championships at Epping Tennis Club.’ Players battled against corresponding seeds from the other schools in small qualifying round robins and, after lunch, progressed onto the group finals. With each player’s positions accumulating points towards the team total. At the presentation ceremony Bancroft’s Prep team took overall 1st place, Epping Primary taking 2nd and Staples Road 3rd, with all pupils receiving a certificates and winners with their medals and school shield! A great day for all with beautiful weather, and most importantly, lots of matches played in a competitive and fun team environment!
See Video http://youtu.be/1k0SkJdo7j8