Winning News - Midlands School Quarter Finals

In both Age Groups of the Midlands School Quarter Finals we have Shropshire Winners who both ended with 3 Rubbers each in the Regional Final but both teams won the deciding MTB Shoot out (yes just a tense 10 point shoot out to decide who goes to National Finals!)

Idsall won the the Year 10 event beating Derby High School in the Shoot out.

Team: Sarah Willacy Steff Potts Tania Harrison and Annabel Crothall

Ellesmere won the Year 8 event beating Alcester Grammar also in the MTB Shoot out

Team: Hannah Clarke, Harriet Jones Olivia Jones and Emily Sutcliffe

These teams now go to the National Semi Finals and Finals over the Weekend of Dec 6/7th at Bolton Arena

Well done to the teams and Ian Gillespie (Idsall Coach) and Nikki Collins (Ellesmere Coach).

Tennis Clubmark

CONGRATULATIONS to the following clubs who have recently achieved TENNIS CLUBMARK:

Draycott - Basford - Tipton - Burton- Wolverhampton - David Lloyd Dudley (previously Next Generation)

Think Pink Day at LTA $75,000 Ladies Event at Welti

Over 100 girls from local primary schools took part in a THINK PINK day - the LTAs drive to get more girls playing tennis. The girls took part in mini tennis coaching, dance mat challenge and watched some of the top british players compete in the LTA $75,000 Ladies event. We were very lucky to have Nigel Sears (GB Fed Cup Captain) and two top British Players - Elena Baltcha and Jade Curtis help out during the day.

Staffordshire JCC Mini Finals

Dan Cosgrove from Tipton Sports Academy who is a member of Tennis Staffordshire Management Committee presented prizes to the winners of the mini tennis events at the Staffordshire Junior County Closed played at Stourbridge at the end of August.

Interview with the twins...

Name: Harriet Jones

Age: 12

Day: Thursday

Match: 14Us semi final against Sarah Willacy

Result: Lost 6-2, 6-3

How did you feel about the game? I knew I had to work hard if I wanted and games so I just went for everything and focused on attacking

What was your game plan? Keep focused and attack to her backhand

How had the week been? Good fun friendly week

Name: Olivia Jones

Age: 12

Day: Thursday

Match: 14Us semi final against Jo

Result: Lost 6-2, 6-3

How did you feel? Comfortable and was hitting hard. I had nothing to loose, so I just went for it. The surface suited my game.

What was your game plan? Hit to a space and concentrated on being consistent.

Any other comments? The match was a good confidence boost. Looking forward to playing Harriet in the 12U final – not playing with her in the doubles!

Interview with Spencer...

Name: Spencer Osbourne

Age: 10

Day: Wednesday

Match: 12U doubles with Ben Kirk

Result: 7-5, 4-6, 10-5

How did the match go? Went 5-2 down in the first set then won 7-5 at 5-2 down felt get back into the game. Enjoyed it! Played ok, but could have played better, felt confident! Serve and forehand went well.

What was your game plan? We didn’t know the opposition but ended up hitting to the weaker player, started to think about going to the net but that wasn’t really working well. To Win!!

Have you enjoyed the week? Through to the semi’s of the 10U and consolidation of the 12U and finals of doubles – so going well!

Interview with David...

Name: David McKenzie James

Age: 16

Day: Wednesday

Match: Quarter Finals Men’s vs Jack Bothwell

Result: Won 6-2, 6-3

How did the match go? I played a good match generally, played the right shots and was pretty consistent. I was also very positive and had no negative behaviour.

What was your game plan? To rally as much as possible, more often to the backhand. Also serve and approach the net to his backhand as it is his weaker hot.

What could you improve? I felt I lost focus too many times, therefore playing reckless shots.

Draycott Talent Attraction Day

32 Children aged 8&U from North Staffordshire visited Draycott on Sunday 13th July. Mike Armstrong, Matt Chandler and Craig Leese supported by TDM Keith Carder ran the day. All children took part in physical and tennis tests. A large number of children took part in tennis for the first time and following this day some players will be fastracked in a super mini programme.

Staffordshire Coach Forum

16 coaches from across Staffordshire came to Next Generation in Dudley on Friday 11th July to find out about future plans for tennis in the county, talent ID, junior competition and mini tennis ratings. As you can see a fun and action packed day took place!

Shropshire 12&U Girls Team

Congratulations to the Shropshire 12&U Girls Team for qualifiying for the national finals at Bolton to take place next weekend. The team recently came top of their group against Leicestershire, Cheshire, North Wales and Staffordshire.

Come on Team Shropshire!

Cound Tennis Club

Well done to the team at Cound. The club officially opened its two new macadam courts last sunday. Over 125 people attended including 50 juniors. The club organised an american tournament, mini and junior coaching, county player exhibition match and a BBQ. An excellent day!

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