JUNIOR TEAMS 2015

Hi All.   First of all apologies to those who will have received this information via the 'Junior Teams Distribution List'.
 
It is at this time of year that the LTA asks clubs how many junior teams they would like to enter for the 2015 match season and entries must be in by the end of January.  In the past few years we have seen the number of teams entered rise from 1 to 3 to 5 to 7 in consecutive years and would like to see this momentum maintained.  The growth in junior development was one of the key factors in the club recently being awarded 'Glos Club of the Year 2014'.
 
If you are not familiar with the format for team play, here are some key facts:

• We can enter teams of any age between 8-18.
• Matches take place at weekends between mid-April to end-June.
• Last year teams had 3 matches each to play, either home or away.  The dates + venue are decided by the LTA.
• For teams aged 11-18, there should ideally be 4 players per match, with each player playing a singles + a doubles.  We can, however, manage with a team of 2 or 3 if 4 players are not available on the match date.  Teams are single sex and ages are grouped 11/12, 13/14, 15/16, 17/18.  Players can also play in a higher age category, if required and if they feel their standard is good enough.
• For teams aged 8-10, again there should be 4 players per match but teams can be mixed girls and boys and lower pressure balls are used.  The 8/9 year olds play on a smaller court and we should have the 'mini-tennis' lines in place ready for the first match.  
• For players new to team tennis, they are provided with a rating by the LTA once they have registered for a British Tennis Membership number.  This is a very straightforward process, where you google 'British Tennis Membership' and complete the details requested, putting Lydney Tennis Club as your 'Place to Play'.
• All singles matches count towards improving a player's rating.
• The Tennis Club will cover the cost of entering teams and there are no extra charges for playing matches.  We just ask parents for help in transporting the teams to away fixtures and for providing some refreshments for home games.  Tennis balls are also provided.

If parents could please check if their daughter/son are interested in playing and can let me know by Sunday 18th January, that would be great and will give me time to phone and answer any questions you may have.  There may be some juniors who have joined since the end of last year's playing season or who were members but didn't feel confident enough to play team tennis and who this year would like to give it a go.
 
I shall also be having a chat with club coach Rachael in the next few days, which may result in a phone call!
 
Any questions in the meantime, please email.
 
Best Regards
 
Martin Godwin (Club Chairman)