Budding Bicester sports stars take home gold 2018

Earlier this month, four up-and-coming players from Bicester Lawn Tennis Club (BLTC), took home top accolades at the Tennis Oxfordshire Junior Awards. The prestigious ceremony, which took place at Abingdon and Witney College on 2nd November, recognised outstanding sporting achievement from across the county.

Owen Brown (15), Orlaith Lyford (17) and Callum West (15) each took home gold in their respective categories; Club Coach’s Player of the Year (boy) Club Coach’s Player of the Year (girl) and Most Improved Player. Isabelle Kinsella-Miles (16) scooped an unprecedented second Club Coach’s Player of the Year (girl) award, receiving special honours from the judging panel for epitomising the mentality of ‘impossible is nothing’.

With a shortlist of more than 50 entries from tennis clubs across Oxfordshire, BLTC’s clean sweep demonstrated each player’s passion, commitment and continued development under the club’s well-respected coaching programme. 2018 marks BLTC’s second consecutive year of success at the ceremony, with the club also taking home top accolades twelve months previously.

Budding Bicester sports stars take home gold

Earlier this month, four up-and-coming players from Bicester Lawn Tennis Club (BLTC), took home top accolades at the Tennis Oxfordshire Junior Awards. The prestigious ceremony, which took place at Abingdon and Witney College on 2nd November, recognised outstanding sporting achievement from across the county.

Owen Brown (15), Orlaith Lyford (17) and Callum West (15) each took home gold in their respective categories; Club Coach’s Player of the Year (boy) Club Coach’s Player of the Year (girl) and Most Improved Player. Isabelle Kinsella-Miles (16) scooped an unprecedented second Club Coach’s Player of the Year (girl) award, receiving special honours from the judging panel for epitomising the mentality of ‘impossible is nothing’.

      (L/R) – Isabelle Kinsella-Miles, Orlaith Lyford, Bianca Pallatt (Head Coach), Callum West and Owen Brown

With a shortlist of more than 50 entries from tennis clubs across Oxfordshire, BLTC’s clean sweep demonstrated each player’s passion, commitment and continued development under the club’s well-respected coaching programme. 2018 marks BLTC’s second consecutive year of success at the ceremony, with the club also taking home top accolades twelve months previously.

Owen Brown – Overcoming his diagnosis of ADHD, dyslexia and autism through excelling in sport, the judges recognised Owen’s dedication, discipline and continued progress. Alongside overcoming his own obstacles, Owen is well-known throughout the club for his mentoring work with other young players.

Orlaith Lyford – A gifted player, quickly progressing from a tennis novice to a ladies team regular, Orlaith was recognised for her talent, ability and true passion for the sport. Since joining the coaching team as an assistant, Orlaith has become a real role-model for other girls at BLTC.

Callum West – Since taking home gold at last year’s Tennis Oxfordshire Junior Awards, Callum has progressed from U16 player of the season (2016, 2017) to holding a faultless place in the county’s adult league. The judges were impressed with Callum’s continued progress, natural talent and commitment to perfecting his game.

Isabelle Kinsella-Miles – In 2016, following a tragic accident on court, Isabelle received the news that returning to tennis may not be an option. However, with a relentless drive to prove the doctors wrong, she has since re-joined the BLTC coaching programme and fought against all odds to re-learn her technique and overcome huge confidence issues. The judges presented Isabelle with special honours for her fast and confident recovery.

Commenting on BLTC’s success at the awards, Bianca Pallatt, Head Coach and Programme Director at Bicester Lawn Tennis Club, said: “I’m so proud of Owen, Orlaith, Callum and Isabelle. For the second year running, BLTC was the only club to take home gold in each category, which is real testament to each player’s passion, commitment and dedication.”

With three floodlit all-weather courts, private parking and a fully-fitted clubhouse, Bicester Lawn Tennis Club is one of the region’s leading sports facilities. The family friendly club has the county’s cheapest membership costs and offers professional coaching for ages from 3 upwards.

For more information about Bicester Lawn Tennis Club, membership options, or coaching provision, visit www.bicestertennisclub.co.uk or call Bianca Pallatt on 07938 145736.