The Northumberland Club, based at the County Ground in Jesmond, welcomed 24 competitors to take part in a morning of tennis filled activities on Thursday 16th March.
The event was part of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation (TBSF) Year 3 Competition, which aims to encourage new players into the game, have fun and develop life skills along the way! They played an incredible 48 matches across the morning, which was a tremendous showcase of grass roots tennis!
Alison Cartmell, coach from David Lloyd Newcastle and Jo Cunliffe, representative of the LTA, led the morning, with help from volunteers; Kate Wallace, Dominic Hughes, 14 Young Leaders from Gosforth East Middle School and teachers from several schools whose players were competing in the event.
The morning ran in two halves. The girls battled in a number of matches, which was overseen by Alison with the volunteers umpiring. The boys showcased their skills, performing a few 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 morning 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. Forty-Eight matches were played across the four mini red 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 team 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,
"What an amazing event we witnessed. Our volunteers from GEMS and Northumbria University were absolutely fantastic with encouraging the young players to do their best, whilst learning skills including communication, teamwork and organisation!"
Broadway East First School took first place who qualify for the Newcastle Schools Final, whilst Grange First School and Regent Farm First School came 2nd and 3rd respectively.
For more information visit LTA.org.uk to find local courts or coaches.