Juniors
Tennis is a great way for children to develop teamwork skills and a sense of sportsmanship while making new friends and having fun.
We run a vibrant and active juniors programme at Marnhull Tennis Club for ages 5 to 17, including regular hitting practice, coaching, mini tournaments and inter-club matches. These sessions are led by Norma Amlot with support from John Seear, Helen Butler, Tom Lee and our LTA-accredited coach Graham Howell.
News of coaching and events are updated here as well as in emails to members. Please let us know if you wish to be added to the mailing list.
Marnhull Tennis Club operates a policy of 'age flexibility.' Although we include an age range for our juniors sessions as a rough guide, we are very happy to accommodate experienced younger players in the older coaching groups.
Tuesday After-School Practice Sessions - From April 1
From 4-6pm.
Our after-school tennis sessions are returning in 2025! Through fun drills and games, children will practise basic tennis skills and have the opportunity to put what they've learned into match play.
These sessions are open to everyone with a junior membership and will run from April 1 to August 26. Two age groups are available:
- 5-10 years from 4-5pm
- 11-17 years from 5-6pm
If you would like your child to be enrolled in these Tuesday afternoon practice sessions, please contact Norma Amlot on dnamlot@icloud.com or 07879 647559 . We will try to accommodate as many juniors as we can, but places will be given on a first come, first serve basis.
Summer Coaching Sessions - July 28, 29 & 30
LTA-certified coach Graham Howell will be back for another trio of sessions over the summer, taking place on July 28, 29 and 30. Featuring technical tips, fitness exercises and plenty of enjoyable games, the classes will be available for three age groups each day:
- Beginners / 5-8 years / 9.30am - 10.30am / Members £6 per session / Non-members £8
- Inters / 9-12 years / 10.30am - 12 noon / Members £9 per session / Non-members £11
- Seniors / 13-17 years / 12 noon to 1.30pm / Members £9 per session / Non-members £11
You can book for as many sessions as you want. Age ranges are intended as a rough guide. Experienced younger players can be accommodated in the older coaching groups on request.
For more information and to book, contact Norma Amlot on dnamlot@icloud.com or 07879 647559
Junior Club Tournament - August 19
From 4pm-7pm.
Rackets at the ready for a fun day of friendly competition! Participants will take part in several rounds of doubles with a mixture of partners. At the end of the day, the person who has accumulated the most games over the afternoon will be awarded our junior club trophy. Afterwards, everyone can enjoy a punnet of strawberries and cream!
For more information or to sign up, contact Norma Amlot on dnamlot@icloud.com or 07879 647559.
Inter-Club Competitions - August 7, August 22 & August 28
After the success of last year's contests between the Marnhull Junior A Team and squads from Donhead and Wincanton, we are excited to announce that these friendly inter-club matches will be taking place again this year! The initiative aims to help our younger club members experience matchplay and prep them for progressing into adult tennis, while also developing their teamwork skills.
All players who have been selected to compete have the option to receive up to 6 free group lessons with our club coach Graham Howell, who will help improve tennis technique and teach doubles tactics.
- The first doubles match will take place on August 7 at Donhead Tennis Club from 10am-1pm.
- The second doubles match will take place on August 22 at Wincanton Tennis Club from 11am-2pm.
- A third doubles match against Pythouse is still to be confirmed.
Additionally, we will be adding a singles competition to the roster this year, taking place on August 28 at Wincanton from 5pm-6.30pm.
Practice Partners
For our older junior members (around 10 years plus) we are offering free practice sessions with experienced adult club members. These can be 30 minutes or 1 hour and arranged for either individuals or pairs.
If your child is interested, contact Helen Butler at helenandkeithbutler@btinternet.com to discuss possible days and times.
Ball Machine
Our Lobster ball machine can be hired by our junior members free of charge!
Firing from a pre-loaded hopper of 50 special balls, the machine's functionality enables variations of speed, height and court placing. Great practice (and fun) for players of any level. Please do not use ordinary tennis balls as they could damage the machine.
Before first hiring the machine you will need instruction on use. This is available from Tom Lee and requires meeting at the pavilion to go through the necessary steps of access, set up and replacement.
Please contact Tom well in advance to arrange a mutually convenient day and time on marnhulltennisclub@gmail.com.
If you want any further information on our activities for juniors, contact Norma Amlot on dnamlot@icloud.com or 07879 647559.