The British Tennis Youth Group out in full force supporting Team GB in Naples!
The British Tennis Youth Group were privileged to join all the other travelling fans at the recent Davis Cup tie in Italy. The GB team gave their all narrowly missing out, but the boys made us all incredibly proud. The Youth Group are all tennis fanatics and were set on making a lot of noise, and that we did!
We left Heathrow before dawn, very excited for the adventure ahead, sporting our Youth Group kit so everyone knew who we were!
On our first day in Naples after getting well and truly lost, the Youth Group welcomed many of the travelling British supporters, kitting them out with Davis Cup t-shirts and flags.
It was great to meet fellow British supporters, especially the British Tennis fans and Stirling University Tennis Team who helped us neutralise the Italian support and keep our boys pumped throughout.
Making noise is something we do well and it was great to see the appreciation of the GB team. Youth Group member Iona said "The best part of the weekend was having Leon Smith and the team turn around and thank us for the support".
By being so close to the action we saw how hard our boys were working and the team ethos between them. We were honoured to be there and for many of us our favourite moment was watching Flembo and Murray defeat Bolelli and Fognini in an incredibly tense doubles match.
Liam from the Youth Group said "There was an incredible atmosphere in the doubles on Saturday. To see 700 Brits all in full voice and support of the team was something very special and what a fantastic achievement it was to be 2-1 up on away soil." To see how far the team has come is amazing and Youth Group member Alistair was certainly proud of the teams efforts. "Although the result wasn't what we were hoping for, I am proud to be part of British Tennis."
We spent the weekend laughing and enjoying each other's company, even finding time for a bit of sightseeing in Pompeii…
And whether it was Olly's dad dancing in the taxi, or Hazel's endless selfie's, we will all come away with many funny memories.
Youth Group member Nikhita said the weekend was"definitely an experience I think will allow me to contribute more while on the Youth Group and perfect for team bonding!" Nikhita was our only Youth Group member who knew a small amount of Italian, although we are sure we heard a few "sil vous plait's" thrown about by her! Many of our voices are croaky, but none more than Aisling. Hopefully she will have her voice back by the next meeting.
We were all sad to leave after such an amazing and unique weekend and I know I speak for the rest of the group when I say how grateful we are that were able to go to Naples to support Team GB. This has definitely spurred us on to ensure the British Tennis Youth Group keeps growing in its impact and awareness!
Follow us on Twitter: @ygtennis to keep updated with our activity and join the discussion on youth participation in tennis!
Harry (British Tennis Youth Group, Chair)
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