The annual junior Christmas tournament organised by club coach Ian Watson was again a success with Junior and Mini tennis members playing in teams both on court and in a quiz. After three hours plus, during a packed lunch the winners were announced as Team Dancer with Jack Christian and Millicent Benson (81.4%), second were Team Comet - Ava Austerberry, Sophie Christian and Ryan Cliffe (68%) and third was team Vixen - Orry Farnworth, Oliver Neagle and Magnus Benson (38%). A good time was had by all and the Mini tennis members really enjoyed being on court with the older Juniors. Thanks to Ian for another successful event.
Another of our Juniors, Sarah Long (12yrs), was away before Christmas playing in a 12 & under event at Bolton Arena. This level of competition is tough but Sarah played well, winning her first match 6/1 6/3, against a higher ranked player Imani Shah. Then it was the top qualifying seed Hima Fernando, who is ranked 24 in the UK. Sarah, whose UK ranking is 94, lost 1/6 0/6 but a lot of games went to deuce. She was playing in a Doubles event in Bristol after Christmas, then back to Bolton for another grade 3 event. She has recently played a lot of UK events and the experience is improving her game. I’ll have those results for next week and hopefully results from Magnus and Millicent Benson, plus Charlotte Clarke’s schedule also updates on Roch Mirski, Orry Farnworth, Jayden Go and Jack Christian. This all looks good for the future of the club with eight or more Juniors tackling UK players who have much greater opportunities with training and competition than do our youngsters faced with travel and accommodation costs – I don’t know how the parents manage it and I would love to find some sponsors to assist them. Please contact me on 861497or (e-mail albanytennispr@manx.net) if anyone has any ideas.
Meanwhile the next generation will restart their coaching when school re-starts – as from Monday 7th January with various sessions throughout the week – if you are not sure of your sessions time please contact Ian by e-mail ianwatsonpts@manx.net. The Mini tennis red ball sessions will start at 12pm on Saturday 12th January – there are 5 places available – first come first served. New players are given three free taster sessions and if they wish to continue they will be invited to become a member. You have to be a member for the club’s insurance, data protection and child protection obligations. Mini Tennis membership includes free coaching on most Saturdays.