an article written for The Press

29th March was the day the members of New Earswick Tennis club, and other many tennis clubs around York, were eagerly awaiting and hoping that the 1st stage of the lifting of lockdown wasn’t going to be delayed.  Covid-19 has been hard, with many losing loved ones, and other’s their income and livelihoods.  With lockdown lifting, a sense of normality feels to be returning.   For those fortunate to be working through the pandemic, it’s often meant working from home while repurposing kitchen tables or bedrooms for use during those conference calls.  For many this has also meant, exercise and social interactions have been very limited, particularly over winter.

The return of tennis brings the opportunity to boost both the mental and the physical well-being in a naturally socially distanced sport.  At New Earswick Tennis Club, members have been back playing regularly since the 29th March with both singles and doubles being played.  Covid-19 safe practices can be easily applied, with players changing ends at either side of the net, and hand sanitizing taking place regularly.

During the pandemic, the government regularly confirmed the need to get fit and healthy.  Outdoor Tennis is a fantastic sport and hobby to help people’s ambitions to become, or stay, fit.  At New Earswick Tennis Club, there are 3 all-weather courts, which are all flood-lit for all year round tennis.

Ant Georgiou, a member at New Earswick Tennis Club, spoke to The Press saying “the club has a great atmosphere with regular social club nights as well as seasonal club competitions all year round”, Ant continued, “when the lockdown was announced in March 2020, we knew it was going to be hard not playing tennis and seeing the other members.  Fortunately, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel”. 

Theresa Roberts-Hardy, another member at New Earswick Tennis Club commented that “Having changed my career path due to Covid-19, and now working in a social care role, getting back to tennis for me is a fantastic way to unwind in the great outdoors with friends I have missed, and Tennis is a sport I really love”.

Nicky Georgiou, on coming back to playing tennis says “I’ve been working in a GP surgery throughout the pandemic which has had tremendous challenges, so to be able to play tennis again is fantastic for my wellbeing".

Abigail Foster, of the Junior section at New Earswick Tennis Club said “I missed my GCSE’s in 2020 and have been practically been isolating for 12 months.  I’ve had some group and private lessons from the coach at the tennis club before the pandemic, so I’m really excited to be playing again with my friends in the open air”.