Young and old players alike donned their tennis shoes for the annual Armidale Tennis Club’s Open day held on Saturday, February 2. It was fantastic to see the younger generation so enthusiastic about the game.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the DH Drummond Memorial Cup – Most Improved Player for 2012. This award has been presented by the Club for over 50 years.
This year’s winner is Helen Kennedy, “Goomalle Pastoral”, Uralla. Helen is an inspiring woman – she was given 10 tennis lessons for her 72nd birthday from her son and, under the guidance of Justin Sherriff, worked on her confidence, net game and court tactics. Helen was all praise for her lessons and says you are never too old to get lessons and improve your game!
Helen, who has been playing tennis since she was 12, added that tennis is a game that you can play wherever you live, regardless of age, and has been involved with clubs in Boorowa, Sydney, and Glen Innes as she moved around the State for work. Armidale Tennis Club is one of the most friendly clubs she said, and has made her very welcome.
On our inspiring juniors, Helen said that it is important that they enjoy the game and have the confidence that they can do it!
At the younger end of players on the day, juniors from five years and up were treated to free Hot Shots tennis lessons from resident Coach, Peter Le Surf, a Tennis Australia accredited Elite High Performance Coach, and assistant coach Andre Garraud. Modified nets and balls were used to engage the children in tennis from a young age.
Adults participated in social tennis, an ideal oppor-tunity for them to warm up for the competitions starting this week at the club.
If you are interested in playing tennis this term, please contact the following conveners:
Monday night comp: Angus McDouall 6772 3375
Thursday ladies comp: Marion Costigan 6775 3131
Sat Mixed comp: Pat Mewton 6771 3881 or Kevin Goode 6772 2457
Members can come and have a hit at the courts at any time, and a number of tournaments are held at the centre throughout the year. Please contact Peter Le Surf for all coaching inquiries on 0417 957 982.
Further information about the Armidale Tennis Club can be found on its website:
http://armidaletennisclub.weebly.com or contact the President Col Harris on 6772 1208Secretary Rickie Withers on 6771 2564 or Publicity Officer Heather Apps on 0427 080567.
