Wellington Tennis Club has started the season with newly painted courts, a new Chairman and a new coach. At a presentation this week, Chairman Sue Rackley and members of the club presented outgoing Tone Leisure coach, Jon Warren, with a gifts in acknowledgement of his service to both junior and senior sections. Jon is taking up a position at the David Lloyd Centre in Cardiff. David Sizer of DSC Coaching is to take over as club coach with the twin aims of improving junior tennis and attracting more adult members.
The freshly-painted courts promise to be busy in the coming weeks, as Sue Rackley outlined: “DSC Coaching will be running a new and extended programme on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays. It will definitely encourage more children to play regularly. I’m thrilled they’ve started offering after-school tennis sessions as these are the catalyst to get young children interested.
“ I’m looking forward to seeing the courts used more during school holidays, especially as we have many talented juniors. There’s a half-term children’s coaching day on Thursday 30 May from 10am to 3pm and a summer coaching programme. We’ve also got a Leaders’ Course planned for June so volunteers can learn how to run tournaments – and we’re looking to provide a pre-school slot too.”
There are fresh moves for adults too. Sue said, “Cardio Tennis has been very popular and attracted non-members. It will continue through the summer on Fridays at 7pm, followed by social tennis and BYO drinks. We’ve entered three teams in the summer leagues and, from July, we hope to have access to the new showers and toilets at the Cricket Club pavilion.”
Financially, the club has benefitted from the green token scheme at Waitrose, the money going towards buying trophies and medals for junior tournaments. And further funds could come from the sale of members’ cast-off items at Bishop’s Hull Car Boot Sale on 27 May.
As Sue Rackley said, “It’s been a busy start to my Chairmanship but I’m confident Wellington Tennis Club will have a successful year with lots of new activities enhancing our programme of activities. Court bookings – regular ones – are increasing and there are new faces on the courts. Thanks to C & C Carpets who are our booking agents.”
And the new courts? Before the first point could even be played, brooms – not new – had to be brought out to clear the surface of debris left by this week’s high winds.
Gill Paltridge