The junior event on Sunday 26 June 2022 and run by the Club Coach, Lee Friend, was a resounding success with both juniors and their family members participating.  Awards for Positive Behaviours were also presented to Holly Buckley, Georgie Syrett, and Imogen Mockford. The following is Lee’s report on the event.

It was a pleasure to host an event that incorporated so many members of different ages and abilities, I see it as a huge privilege to provide people with an opportunity to play and develop their skills in the game of tennis that echo through into life and preparation for adversity, challenges, successes and dilemmas.

For many, this friendly family competition was their first experience competing. Getting this right is important preparation to encourage more children to compete because a positive first experience provides a reassuring memory to base a new decision to compete again.  We can’t take out the truth of the game and nor should we, there is inevitably a winner of matches but play with energy, fight and fun you can't really say anyone loses.

Well done to the Wimbledon wasps for amassing a huge total of 295 points across five rounds, 90 matches and 36 competitors! 

Thanks to John Bennett and Bruce Benge for doing a fine job of the BBQ and a big win for a club community coming together in such a nice way.  I hope this will become an annual event.

Recognising Positive Behaviours.

I have been eager to recognise some outstanding behaviours around the club for a while now so it was a true pleasure to share and recognise the children who have earned their names on the LoveSport hall of fame wall at Trottiscliffe Tennis Club.

I call them 'Pillars of Behaviour' that highlight the right ethos at the club and work ethic on court.  As our tennis journey progresses new behaviours will likely be added and regarded as further pillars that I hope will be established across the programme assisting players in tennis and life ahead.

Challenging and overcoming adversity - Holly Buckley

Holly always arrives in a positive frame of mind and joyful attitude despite what the challenge of the day or night she has had ahead of her practice.  I'm not entirely sure how she does it and that is what makes her so special. 
I have a family that like Holly has diabetes.  It isn't easy managing diabetes and you have to learn a lot in a very short space of time.  It affects the whole family and their routine yet Holly is a warrior and carries on.  She tackles the challenge that she has no choice but to engage and deal with it, with no bitterness or question about why.  She hits it head-on and won't let it hold her back. 
Bravo Holly!

Purpose fuels performance - Georgie Syrett

Georgie, nicknamed G, has grown to be one of the most intrinsically motivated people I've met. 
The purpose she brings with her to a session is contagious.  If you play G, you know she will try and outwork you.  She is first to arrive and warms up without being told to do so,  these small behaviours add up to great things.  Win or lose the work rate G displays doesn't come second. 
Over the years this work rate will compound itself and her performances will become stronger and stronger.

Putting the process ahead of the performance - Imogen Mockford

Going about something the right way despite a situation offering an easier but perhaps a less effective route could be a way to describe courage. 
Imogen is becoming a player that at the time of a big point or moment in a rally she does the right thing instead of just surviving the moment.  That is identified in few and mastered by even fewer.  It is not just this she has going for her but she is also the first person to offer help, and encourage others and has a natural ability around children that choose to look up to her. 
Having children look up to you as their role model is a privilege Imogen wears so well.  Congratulations Imogen for this well-deserved recognition.