With rackets at the ready, children from across Kent and East Sussex had the opportunity last Tuesday to receive a tennis masterclass from British legend, Tim Henman.
Henman, formerly British number one and ranked fourth in the world, was also a Wimbledon semi-finalist four times in five years. He joined Dan Bloxham, head coach of Wimbledon’s All England Tennis Club, as part of the Rye Tennis Club centenary celebrations.
The pair were coaching members and non-members of the club as part of an open day offering budding tennis players the chance to play with Wimbledon royalty.
Henman, who was eleven years old when he first played tennis at the Rye club during family holidays, said: “I always enjoy visiting Rye Lawn Tennis Club having played here as a child with my family, and Dan and I are delighted to be hosting an open day.”
He continued: “It’s not necessarily about finding the next Wimbledon champion or producing an international sportsman or woman. It’s about accessibility and opportunity, and that’s why it’s great to see so many families and young kids here today. Hopefully, we can inspire a few of them to follow their dreams.”
Dan Bloxham, more used to coaching some of the country’s top players, said: “Like all things, when you attain a level of skill to play a game well, you enjoy it. When you’re starting, it needs to be fun, and our job today is to make it fun for those who have never picked up a racket before. Tennis is a game for everyone and we want to encourage others to have a go at the sport.”
The sport, especially at local level, has often been tagged elitist’ a negative perception that organiser Amanda Hoffman is keen to discourage. “Tennis has to be inclusive,” she said. “It wants to be inclusive. It’s a sport that is open to everyone and we want people, particularly the younger generation, to come and have a go.”
On the evidence of so many smiling faces last Tuesday, the club is leading the way. And to many of the children taking part, it was all about making memories, having fun, and receiving inspiration from a sporting legend.
Image Credits: Chris Lawson .
Nice to read a good news story.