Exciting time for girls tennis

The LTA, in partnership with GB Tennis Girls (GBTG) launched a fun mini tennis event last weekend with the aim of tackling the gender split between those competing against their male counterparts. Four teams from across the Tyne saw the 8 & Under girls competing against each other at David Lloyd Newcastle.  Teams included players from Collingwood, Cullercoats, Bohemian’s and David Lloyd Tennis Clubs.

The launch saw an all-girl affair with players, umpires and referee all female, with the hopes of encouraging young girls to keep playing through positive role models.  This is a key intervention to encourage girls to enjoy being around friends in a fun and relaxed environment and referee Abigail Lemberger was delighted with the launch event,

‘I was really honoured that Pippa asked me to referee this girls only event.  I started playing tennis around the same age as these girls and it’s exciting to see them all smiling and having a great time.’

Although there were points awarded to the teams for their results, the emphasis was on the atmosphere and attributes the girls showed throughout the morning.  This included awards for two players picked by Abigail.  This included Maisie McAree who was awarded for being so happy and Maisie Whitehouse for showcasing her brilliant footwork.  

Results from fixture one are as follows,

Coast 1: 9

Coast 2: 3

Boho Duo: 8

David Lloyd Newcastle: 4

The next events are,

Northumberland & Newcastle

• Saturday 14^th – Sunderland Tennis Centre, SR3 1PD
• March 1^st – David Lloyd Club, Gosforth, NE3 1SN

An end of league event will take place at Sunderland Tennis Centre on Saturday 21^st March 2015 10 – 12pm.

Picture is Pippa Hawes (North East Women and Girls Coordinator) and players.

Picture taken by oncourt magazine!