Over 70 girls from schools north and south of the region came together on Friday to take part in the first Tennis Education Event held at Sunderland Tennis Centre.
The Tennis Education Event was designed to not only give girls the opportunity to speak to key women in the sports industry but to educate them on how to go about accessing information and funding if necessary to achieve their goal of a career in sport. This was done through a series of workshops delivered by the Lawn Tennis Association, Tony Blair Sports Foundation, on court magazine and Boldon Lawn Tennis Club. During this time a tennis match between Durham University v Durham and Cleveland County Team took place where the students had the opportunity of putting their ball girl skills to the test. The afternoon session gave all students a taste of cardio tennis and an organised mini tennis match play.
The idea of the Tennis Education Event was created, organised and delivered by Stephanie Eadon, Head Coach at Boldon Lawn Tennis Club. Steph has played various sports from a very young age and had always talked about a career in sport, although lacked the knowledge to get started. Most young people dream of playing at the highest level possible but realistically that won't happen for all and a lot of these young people find their way into coaching or teaching.
Jeanette Pickard, Chief Executive of The Tony Blair Sports Foundation said,
"We were delighted to be part of the Tennis Education Event and even more delighted that it was organised by Stephanie who joined the foundation over 4 years ago as a young person looking to get involved in sport. Steph has not only developed into a fantastic sports coach but through her enthusiasm, hard work and dedication she has become a great role model for showing young women the benefits of being involved in sport. Her education event showed how you can get involved in sport whether as a player, a coach or a volunteer and whichever course these young women choose the foundation will be there to support them."
Over recent months there has been a massive interest through the media concerning girls in sport. It's not just about them taking part but now question are being ask as to why so few sports women find themselves not progressing as they should with their experience not only in the sport but in the business side of the sports industry.
Margi Tweedy, Managing Director of on court magazine said,
"What a great way to get girls on court, whether to play or find out about careers in tennis. It would be great to see this type of event throughout the region."
A number of companies supported the event, The Lawn Tennis Association, The Tony Blair Sports Foundation, on court magazine and Boldon Lawn Tennis Club. The feedback from both supporters and the students attending the event was fantastic and plans are already being developed for the next Tennis Education Event.
Stephanie Eadon Event Organiser of the Tennis Education Event said,
“I was delighted with the response of the girls throughout the Tennis Education Event. Combining education and playing throughout the event encouraged both players and none players to attend and play. Hopefully the event has inspired the girls to pick up a racquet and / or pursue a career in sport.”
If you would like to get involved as a sponsor, supporter or a school who would like their students to take part please contact Stephanie via email: Stephanie.eadon@yahoo.com or call 07904973212 or 0191 4157340 for more information.