Teamwork shines in Sunderland

23 girls from across the North East were welcome at Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis & Wellness Centre on Saturday October 6^th for a pre-Winter season Team Challenge Doubles Training and event.

The North East’s programme continues to grow and be a shining example of team work, positivity, enjoyment and respect. 

The day started off with volley skill development in small spaces, where the girls were challenged to use soft hands and controlled patterns with agility and team building. 

Following this Libby Fletcher who is a Doubles Coach Specialist at Tennis World, Middlesbrough shared her expertise from her own playing days, along with recently coaching Joss Rae (who reached a world ranking of Top 70).  Libby and her team of coaches Hannah Jeffrey (Boldon LTC), Jo Cunliffe (LTA) and Ashleigh Baines (Sunderland TC) delivered drills including volley interceptions, low approaching volleys and developing confidence with the ‘hot seat!’  It was a fast paced, fun part of the day and prepared the players for the Team Challenge in the afternoon!   

Christine Randall-Klee (Regional Competitions Coordinator) then took over to run the Team Challenge event.  Players were put into teams and it was so rewarding to see the girls using the tactics, shots and communication skills developed in the earlier sessions!  One of the best things was the sportswomanship shown with players congratulating the opposition’s shots and playing fair.  One parent summed it up perfectly,

“Brilliant day – thanks for providing inspiration to the girls.  Respect, fair play and enjoyment all round!”

The team players came from local tennis clubs including Boldon, Collingwood / Cullercoats, Cramlington, David Lloyd Teesside, Sunderland Tennis Centre and Yarm.

After a great atmosphere and putting into practice what they had learned in the morning, the team results were as follows,

Winners. Team GB.  Players: Scarlett Wilson Baker, Zoe Parkin, Issy Leaver, Amelia Leaver, Amy Pickering and Rosie Dunkerton.

Runners Up. Team USA.  Players: Evie Tones, Anna Osborne, Jessica Ridley, Lucy Potts, Annie Pickard and Amelia Richardson

The players will now return to represent their Clubs in the North East Winter League taking place between October and March 2019. The North East Team is looking forward to hearing about their stories!