We are happy to report a successful season at Holyport with positive reports on court usage, junior development, and social engagement. 2023 saw a 6% increase in court usage, and the return of social events such as the Christmas Drinks Party gave the club a burst of energy with more social attendance this season. Our junior membership numbers have increased for both boys and girls, with both groups developing well. We continue to engage with local schools; Eton and Holyport College are established with regular training and match fixtures, as well as one-off visits from other schools in the area. We extend a tremendous thank you to The Dedanists Foundation who continue to provide valuable support to the next generation of players. We were delighted to host a full range of national events at the club, ranging from the U’15 and U’19 doubles to the Over 80’s, as well as holding the first stop on the new Tambour Tour. All were successful and it is a pleasure to host excellent tennis of all varieties.
This report comes shortly after Finals Day and our Season’s Prize-giving; a wonderful day at the club and our best attendance post pandemic. We congratulate our champions of the big tournaments in this report; Nick Baker (Level Singles), Nick Baker/David Barker (Level Doubles), Algie Nottingham (Level Junior Singles) and Neil Harrison-Smith/Simon Webster (Holyport Bowl (A)).
We also celebrate member success away from Holyport; Alex Brodie (Ladies US Open Doubles), Jill Newby (Master’s Over 75 Doubles), Andy Keeley/Nick Baker (Amateur Doubles), Nicola Doble (Billy Ross Skinner, Bathurst Cup selection), George Fowler (Cat E, LRTA Mixed Doubles) and Daniel-Konrad Cooper-Lambie (Cat H, King’s Goblet). Theo Besnard successfully defended his French U19 Championship and joins Algie Nottingham in the Top 16, both competing in the Junior World Championships in August.
For the Professionals, it was a challenging year for Josh Smith who carried a wrist injury throughout, managing the issue before having to withdraw entirely from all tennis activities. The rehab can now be measured in years not months(!), but he is determined to return better than before. Josh King has provided fantastic support to Smith, as well as the playing membership who have been patient with wrong-handed lessons for months on end. Josh King’s professional development moves ahead strongly; his presence and confidence at the club continues to grow and has been an excellent antidote to Smith’s injury struggles.
As we move into the 2024/25 season we are updating our fixture schedule with more singles events, and a new summer schedule of social tournaments for both juniors and adults. The Junior Programme will expand in September to support our growing numbers of junior players, and we have a selection of initiatives to grow adult membership.
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