Murray inspires the next generation of tennis stars

Friday, July 19, 2013
Murray inspires the next generation of tennis stars

It's been just 10 days since Andy Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years.

And now his mum has been inspiring the next generation of tennis stars at Alverstoke Lawn Tennis Squash and Badminton Club in Gosport.

Judy Murray was coaching pupils from Alverstoke Infant School and members of the club.

It comes just a week and a half after her son beat Novak Djokovic to clinch the Wimbledon title.

She said: ‘What I love about places like Alverstoke is that it’s got a real community feel about it. The coaching team there are a great couple and so full of life and enthusiastic in making things happen, for kids in particular.

‘These places are absolutely crucial for growing the game – new facilities that are affordable and welcoming. That club ticked every single box.

‘The kids were fabulous.’

Judy is captain of the Great Britain Federation Cup team and is also a tennis coach. She said it’s vital to use Andy’s Wimbledon victory to inspire youngsters.

‘It’s really important, but I would say that because I’m passionate about tennis.

‘The profile of tennis is as high as it’s ever been in this country and not just from Andy’s success, we have Laura Robson and Heather Watson coming through, which is good to get the female role models coming in.

‘The key is to make tennis a whole lot more accessible and take it to areas where it doesn’t exist and to get new people playing.’

Judy said Andy is now having a break before he starts training for the US Open next month.

She added: ‘He went on holiday at the weekend for five or six days and then he’s back to Miami for training for the start of the US hard court season.

‘It’s coming up to a very important and very busy time.’

Judy’s visit was through Set4Sport, which encourages parents to play sport with their children. Visit Set4Sport.com

 

PRAISE FOR JUDY AS VISIT IS A HUGE SUCCESS

THE head coach at the tennis club has said Judy’s visit was inspiring for the children.

Dave Buzzard said: ‘It was very good. She was very friendly with the kids. Hopefully off the back of that we can attract a few more youngsters to tennis. It’s inspiring for the kids.’

Richard Brown, a teacher at Alverstoke Infant School, said: ‘It was fantastic. It was a brilliant day. What Judy is doing is excellent. She’s such a humble lady and a lovely person.

‘What was really good about the day was that it wasn’t all geared towards tennis.

‘It’s about physical activities with young people and getting parents involved and working together.’

 
 

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