JUNIOR BOX LADDER AT WYCHWOODS TENNIS CLUB

This year saw the first Junior Box Ladder at the tennis club and I am proud to say it has been a huge success.

The Box Ladder was created to enable players of all levels to compete in short, friendly matches on a regular basis throughout the year. The Senior Box Ladder has been up and running for a few years now but the club felt keen to establish something more for our enthusiastic younger players, and so last Autumn the Junior Box Ladder was set up for any juniors aged 10-16. As the year has progressed, more young players have joined, and we now have over 20 signed up and eager to play.

The children arrange their own matches, to be played at their convenience, against the other people in their Box. Each match is played on a “first to 9 games” basis, with a point for each game won. At the end of each term, we tot up all the points and players can move up or down a Box. This allows them to play as many people as possible, with a touch of healthy competition thrown in! It not only improves performance and match confidence, but it is also a fun and sociable way of meeting other players of a similar level. 

This year the competition has been fierce in each of the four Boxes. The juniors have shown amazing dedication by playing in all weathers throughout the year, with over 180 matches played between them! Most of the matches have been really close, and the boys have continued to impress with their excellent sportsmanship. In both Terms 1 and 2 Edward Parker proved his excellent tennis skills yet again by taking the overall winning slot. In Term 3, Dan Smith was triumphant, with Seb Lyle and Arthur Wessel a close 2ndand 3rd. But at every level, in every Box, the standard of play has been amazing, and I would like to thank and congratulate all the children involved for all their enthusiasm and hard work. 

And now it is time for a new season, starting in September. If you would be interested in signing your child up for the Junior Box Ladder, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Please note that players must be members of Wychwood Tennis Club in order take part, and must be aged between 10 and 16.

Catherine Smith