LUKE SYDDALL raises funds for tennis centre and children’s orphanage in Accra, Ghana.
Winchester resident and passionate tennis player, Luke Syddall, who’s a member of the Kingsgate Tennis Club, volunteered last year to provide coaching for under-privileged youngsters at a tennis centre in Accra, Ghana. He also visited an orphanage close to where he was staying on several occasions.
Luke was moved by what he discovered. Eager boys and girls desperate to play tennis but with few resources.
“I was humbled by their overwhelming desire to learn tennis, but they were lacking all the essentials we take for granted here in the UK. The tennis nets were ragged, rackets well-worn and in some instances the children were playing with broken strings making it almost impossible to hit the ball as they’d like to. Tennis balls were in short supply, and those they played with tended to be bald and flat. There were no small rackets readily available for the younger children, but despite all that they were undeterred.”
On his outward journey to Accra, Luke filled his suitcase with everyday tennis items which included dampeners, tennis grips and sweatbands. The children were thrilled he’d brought so much for them and were thankful for his generosity.
"On my visits to the orphanage I made friends with a wonderful lady who works there as a Director. She and her staff work tirelessly to ensure the children’s well-being is protected. Lots and love and attention are given to all the children.
What struck me most was the children’s positive spirit and sense of happiness and camaraderie in an environment we would find difficult to cope with.
At the tennis centre it was clear they were lacking adequate supplies of very basic tennis equipment. At the orphanage this could be said with life's essentials such as food, water, books, and clothes.”
It was an amazing and fulfilling experience for Luke. On the plane back to the UK he decided he would make it his mission to fund raise for the tennis centre and the orphanage.
Luke is a popular member of Kingsgate Tennis Club and after relaying his experiences in Accra to the club committee and members, he received overwhelming backing to establish a fund-raising tennis tournament which was eventually held on Sunday March 26th. Head coach, David Woodford commented “Luke is hugely popular at the club. We were all so impressed with his passion to support the tennis centre and orphanage in Accra. The inaugural tournament was well-attended by members and so far Luke has raised over £1200. Our plan is to make this an annual fund-raising tournament for Luke’s cause, which we’ll likely call ‘The Ghana Cup’.”
Luke has stayed in regular contact with those he met during his stay in Accra. He has also followed the success of Ghanaian tennis player, Samuel Antwi. In recent times he has won a 9th national ranking title which will have a positive impact on raising the profile of tennis in Ghana.
Luke would welcome Chronicle’s readers contributing to his fund-raising for the tennis centre and orphanage in Accra. If you can support by making a donation please visit www.gofundme.com/f/a-tennis-centre-and-an-orphanage-in-ghana Both Luke and the children in Accra would be hugely grateful.