This weekend sees the nationwide 10 and Under County Cup, with Suffolk confident of a good showing from both our talented Girls’ and Boy’s sides. Playing in Group D at Woodford Wells under the captaincy of Ben Roberts-Law the provisional Boys’ team is Adam Rudolph, Joshua Stokes, Joel Sheldon and Josh Bowyer, with the Girls’ trio of Maddie McLoughlin, Isabelle Eaton and Justice Hall playing at Woodbridge in Group D under Chris Daynes.
Both teams compete against Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and local rivals Norfolk, with the tournament providing invaluable competition for our promising young players. Should they win the event they will qualify for the National Finals, to be staged at the Bolton Arena over the weekend of June 14th and 15th, and there is certainly good cause for optimism.
The Girls’ side is especially strong, with all three players ranked in the top 10 in the country in their respective age-groups. Justice Hall originally trained with Elena Baltacha as part of the EBAT Academy at the Ipswich Sports Club. She finished 3rd on the national Under 9 leaderboard last season, and now competing at 10 and Under level she recently attended a national training camp with the older age-group. Chris Daynes now coaches her at Henley Road.
Chris also coaches Maddie and Isabelle, Maddie currently number 3 on the national 10 and Under leaderboard, recently reaching the final of a Grade 2 national event in Nottingham. She has recently been invited to attend a national training camp at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. Isabelle Eaton too attended a national camp at Under ll level, is currently number 5 on the national 10U leaderboard,and was a finalist in a Grade 2 national event in Glasgow. Both players are funded by the LTA on the national matrix scheme.
Reports continue to filter through of a highly successful British Tennis Weekend on May 18th/19th, and there is great enthusiasm building up for the remaining Open Days in June and July. Stowmarket Chairman Stuart Beaton was delighted and comments that his management committee orientated towards families and juniors, giving the day a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. “The Committee firmly believes that the future of the game, and the longevity of the Club itself, will be defined how well we can engage and enthuse the younger generation. It’s about building for the future and ensuring progression.”
The day saw members of the town and the local area come along and try their hand at tennis. The free coaching sessions for both adults and juniors were a great success, with the membership base growing by a massive 10% on the day. Senior coach Chris Cunningham is endlessly devoted to getting more young players involved as early as possible. Suffolk LTA Councillor Steven Law was a welcome visitor on the day, and the thriving Stowmarket Club feel that the visit by the LTA President last year has really put the town on the map.