Heaton Manor School, based in the North East of Newcastle, welcomed 7 schools including 56 competitors from across the city.
The event was part of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation (TBSF) Year 3 Competition, which aims to encourage new players into the game through fun and developing life skills along the way! They played a whopping 72 matches across the afternoon, which was a tremendous showcase of grass roots tennis! Unfortunately, the event was forced inside due to the rainfall throughout the day, so it was fast track tennis with matches being played across 5 badminton courts!
Alison Cartmell, coach from David Lloyd Newcastle, led the afternoon , with help from volunteers, including Dominic Hughes from Northumbria University and 14 Young Leaders from Heaton Manor School. The teachers from several schools also supported the event whose players were competing in the event.
The schools were split into 2 groups. Ravenswood Primary School, Benton Park Primary School, West Jesmond Primary School and Hotspur Primary School wrestled for the qualification spot in group 1. The second group included Cragside Primary School, Chillingham Road Primary School and Christ Church of England Primary School who competed for the second qualification spot.
The afternoon ran in 2 halves. The girls battled in a number of matches, which was overseen by Alison with the volunteers umpiring. The boys showcased their skills, performing skills based activities on the adjacent court that was led by Dominic Hughes from Northumbria University. The skills section saw each pupil competing in the egg and spoon race, pass the parcel, can knockdown, throw into the bucket and hit into the bucket. Everyone showed great sportsmanship with a relentless determination throughout the afternoon to do their best!
It was fantastic to see the players all improving throughout the matches, proving that even a little time on court will help improve overall tennis skills, whilst encouraging young people to participate and take up the game. Competitiveness of matches increased as pupil’s skills increased after several matches were completed. 72 matches were played across the 5 badminton courts, with each player competing in six matches respectively.
Following the first round of matches and skills, the girls and boys then swapped activities. At the end of the event all scores were added up to decide which 2 teams qualified through to the Newcastle Tony Blair Sports Foundation Year 3 Tennis Challenge Cup Final in May being held at Tennis @ Churchill.
Alison Cartmell, who oversaw the event,
“Today’s event was brilliant in proving the great partnership that has been developed between Primary and Secondary schools, and the sport of tennis! It allowed the Young Leaders and volunteers to develop and showcase their leadership skills, as well as give opportunities for the younger kids to get a racket in their hand, on court and having fun!”
Ravenswood Primary School took 1st place who qualify for the Newcastle Schools Final from group 1 with West Jesmond Primary came a close 2nd. Meanwhile, Christ Church of England Primary School took the 1st place qualifying spot from group 2, closely followed by Chillingham Road Primary School.