The Lawn Tennis Association's Chief Executive Roger Draper will be making a whistle-stop tour of Suffolk on Tuesday, and will be visiting some of the county's most outstanding developements. In the morning he travels to Culford, the school enjoying a proud record of success since the Indoor Centre was officially opened by Greg Rusedski last year. From there Mr Draper will pop into Copleston School, one of Suffolk's Beacon sites, and where a Grade 3 Tournament is being staged all this week.
The afternoon will be spent at the Ipswich Sports Club, from where Mr.Draper will enjoy a look at the highly successful Christchurch Park Community tennis initiative, a scheme given 100% support by the LTA.. Local tennis officials will have an opportunity to meet with Mr. Draper at a lunchtime session to be run at Copleston School.
Talking of Club tennis, Saxmundham Tennis Club held a highly successful Open Day in beautiful weather at the Carlton Park Sports Ground on Saturday. Encouraged by infectious coaching from George Adey, the day's programme included junior coaching sessions for both juniors and adults, a Cardio Tennis Taster Session and a highly successful American Doubles Tennis Tournament. Former Wimbledon Assistant Referee and Suffolk LTA Councillor Peter Mornard gave a talk over a barbecue lunch, several new members attending and the day a great example of one of Suffolk's many thriving, successful rural clubs.
This coming weekend is an important one for Suffolk's leading 14U junior players, who will be competing in the nationwide Aegon Couty Cup from Aprl 16th-18th inclusive. Travelling with Marc Powell and Sheelagh Watts, our 14U Girls' team will be based in Group 5 at Billesley, Birmingham.
Cometing against Hertfordshire, Leicestershire and one other county, the team consists of Ella Monsey, Erica Belton, Hannah Vickers, Nia Braidford and Philippa Clarke.
Our Boys are based in Group G at the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton, and will be under the watchful eye of Richard Daynes. A highly talented looking squad of James Ling, Toby Cutting, Max Darrington, Jared Bones and Ewan Evans will gain some invaluable competitive experience against three strong counties in Essex, Sussex and Northamptonshire.