Tennis for Life had a local tour over Easter at the East Anglia Open Grade 3 tennis tournament. Tennis for Life players enjoyed the sunny weather. Among them Maria Andrews claimed victories in the U16, U18, and Ladies events. Joy Andrews beat Sophie Wood in 2 closely contested consolation finals in U16 and Ladies. 7 girls played in the U8 Mini Red event on the Thursday afternoon and had a great time. Rosie Gomez had a very close Consolation match, but was just beaten. All players improved with each match and learnt lots. Well done to everyone who played.

Tennis for Life would like to congratulate the new Tennis Leaders who have successfully completed their leadership training. The culmination of which finished with a Mini Red tournament, which they ran between them. Players in the tournament all received certificates for taking part and medals awarded for those finishing in the top 3 places. The leaders also received certificates ad their Tennis Leaders T-shirts. If you would like to do your Tennis leaders training, contact Donna 07714474153.

Tennis for life goes on Tour.

“Ten green bottles”, “The Peanut song” , “Kiss fm”, boomed from the mini bus as we ‘rocked along’. For some the mini bus journey to Culford and back could have been the highlight of the tour, but there were so many highlights to choose from.

First there were 14 players making the journey to Culford for the grade 4 U12 and U14 tournament over 2 days. On the Saturday, the weather was extremely wet and windy and all matches were played inside. The day passed quickly with players playing or tracking other players matches. The showers were warm, for cooling down after every match. Players set match goals and performed outstandingly. Late afternoon saw some players venture outside and have fun on one of the courts while other players finished their matches. The early start at 7.30am and return at 6.30pm, was eagerly repeated again on the Sunday. This day the sun shone and players played many more matches outside. As the sun set and only 1 player was left playing, all other players played outside on 1 court, which for most was another highlight. The fun and laughter rang out over the venue.

James Isbill had made it through to the U12 boys consolation semi finals and had to go back the following day, continuing the tour. All other players had finished. Frances Evans was runner-up in the U16 girls event, which was very close. Megan Waghorn made it to the semi finals of the U12 girls. Esme Dickinson was the U12 girls consolation winner. Rebecca Waghorn was the runner-up in the U16 consolation. Rachel Nirmal made it to the U16 girls consolation semi finals.

Secondly on the Tuesday, 6 U8 girls journeyed again to Culford for a red level tournament. Joining them on the mini bus was Ruhi and Thalia, Tennis leaders.  Ruhi and Thalia had been on the weekend tour and enjoyed it so much they had volunteered to assist with the |U8 girls. Again, Singing boomed out from the bus, Perhaps Tennis for Life will start a choir? There’s a thought!

As with the U12 and U16 some players had little match experience, but everyone performed really well. Finishing 4th was Laiba, and 3rd was Harriet. In the final it was a nail biter. Saanvi had come back from behind to lead 9-7. The final score was 10-9 and Saanvi was second. What another great day and smiles all round, and more songs on the way home.

Finally, Saturday and 5 players return for the U14 event. This day saw a lot of learning taking place, with some challenging opponents for some players. Rebecca Mainprize beat Megan Waghorn in a very close final of the consolation. Frances Evans had to continue the tour on her own and return on Sunday to play the semi final and then final of the U14 girls. Again finishing runner-up as she had in the U16 event.

An amazing week of tennis from a range of players, who worked so hard for themselves, but also for each other. The singing was quite good too.

If you want to join the next tour, please contact Donna Andrews

On January 26th 2014 in a small town called Tarbes, France, Alfie won his third Junior (Under 18) Wheelchair title for the third year in succession. He actually retained both his single and doubles for the third time. The doubles title has been with 3 different players. Alfie has always had to beat his doubles partner to win the title. This year it was really tough as all the players had improved, with a couple of new faces making the final. The event consists of the top 8 boys in the world as well as the top 4 girls. It runs along side the able bodied event for the top 12-14 year old boys and girls in the world. The tournament, called Les Petits As is run by 170 volunteers, who take 1.5 weeks of work to stage this event. Whole families are involved, in such roles as ball girl/boys, physio’s, taxi drivers, etc. It is an amazing tournament with lots going on. Alfie had his coach, Donna Andrews and grand father, David Hooper with him to support him all the way. Donna said ” Alfie has trained really hard to achieve this title, which is huge in wheelchair tennis terms. Although he can still play in the event next year, he will move his focus to qualification for the Paralympics in Rio in 2016, and then to winning a medal at the games.

Alfie and Donna would like to thank all those people out there who have supported them during this year, and for their future support.

LTA Website

Donna Andrews was overwhelmed to be awarded the active Norfolk Community coach of the year award for 2013 at the Forum on 6th November 2013. Donna had been amazed to be nominated and then make the final 3 . She said “It was a real honour to receive this award from Active Norfolk, which is a really supportive body to coaches. It also works hard to increase participation which is what I have tried to do ever since becoming a tennis coach. The award is really for all those who I have had the pleasure to work with over the past 10 years. I am lucky to love what I do and work with such great players and parents. Thank you”

Alfie Hewett was honoured to receive the LTA junior (U18) player of the year award, which included all able bodied tennis players and disabled. Andy Murray received the senior player of the year. The awards were presented at the Masters tennis event at the O2 on 4th November 2013. This is a huge accolade, and shows how professional a player Alfie has become. He is still not 16 until December. Other awards were also given out at this event.