Last updated at 20:32, Friday, 05 March 2010

Two teams of young tennis players from Tynedale have been successful in winning their leagues this winter.

On the ball: Taking a bow are mini-tennis champions, from the left, front row Lauren Barnet, Rebecca Senior, coach Sarah Stevenson, Oliver Bennett and Max Dolan, with back from the left Niamh Telford, Daniel Senior, Jonny Bunney, Luke Pearson-McCoul, Danielle Winskill, Mathew Nicholson and Robbie Hesketh. D091061

The U8 and U9 teams overcame tough opposition from other teams across Northumberland and North Tyneside to become champions in their age categories.

The competitions, held at the Northumberland Club and the David Lloyd Tennis Centre, have been introduced to give more competitive opportunities for players in the area.

All the players train with tennis coaching provider Perform: Tennis and are members of local clubs, Stocksfield and Tynedale.

Head coach Sarah Stevenson said: “I couldn’t be more proud of my players; they have put so much effort into their training, especially for such young players, and it’s really great to see that paying off.

“It is particularly good to see the girls really coming through now and getting involved.

“ I have high hopes for them in the future!”.

The summer season will be starting in April and the players will be hoping for further success in the LTA’s Aegon sponsored leagues.

As well as this, and for the first time ever, there will be an LTA sanctioned Junior Tournament in Tynedale.

The ‘Tynedale Tennis in the Community’ or ‘TIC’ Junior Open will be held at Stocksfield Tennis Club from April 11 – 15 with events for U8s to U18s.

Details are available on www.lta.org.uk or you can receive more information from Sarah@Performtennis.co.uk.

First published at 09:46, Friday, 05 March 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk