Posted 23rd July 2015
When the email from Tracey, Promotions Manager of Eastbourne Borough Council first popped into my inbox I read with interest the title....'Tennis Tuesday: Play tennis at the Eastbourne Aegon International with Anne Keothavong'! How did they know about a long held dream of becoming a Wimbledon Champion? I read on with excitement!.... 'We are currently looking for a female hotelier/member of staff wanting to get back into tennis, to take part in a free tennis session.... So it seems I had been targeted due to the fact I hadn't actually picked up a tennis racket in nearly 9 years... I did say the Wimbledon bit was a dream!
Sounds like fun though, I thought and duly signed up. Next hurdle was to actually find something to wear.. Where did I put that tennis skirt and handband, obviously joking about the headband! More to the point would the tennis skirt still fit!. It did, which is a relief! I notice they say no need for a racket.. they will provide.
So Tuesday came and the match nerves started to set in. What had I done agreeing to this, why would I want to embarrass myself in front of a professional tennis player not to mention local press, who I had been informed once I signed up would be in attendance. Perhaps that party wig might be an idea after all to disguise my true identity!
Taking a deep breath I entered the Devonshire Park and headed for the practise courts. Looking around I tried to assess the level of play amongst those taking part. 15 of us in total all looking rather nervous and hanging around. Frances introduced himself as our coach and straight away you could feel the relief around the court.... he was very kind and put us at our ease.
And so the coaching session began. Some warm up exercises firts... I was exhausted after that lot.. not a good sign and maybe I was not as fit as I thought I was! Then we moved onto the serving. Now even 9 years ago this was never my strongest part of my game... first challenge was to get the arm/brain co ordination going... near the net would be good, even in the net... keep trying I say to myself and eventually over the net it went! Next came recieving of serves and some volleying... I was starting to really enjoy myself. We finished up with the ever popular 'Round the World' game. The hour lesson literally flew by.
Anne Keothavong, ex British No 1now tennis commentator on BT Sport alongside Martina Navratilova was just lovely. She was billed to make an appearance but actually took part in the whole session along side us budding returnees to tennis, even slowing down her serve so I could return one... highlight of the session for me!
Tennis Tuesday is a new incentive organised by the Lawn Tennis Association, aimed at primarily getting women back into tennis who for what ever reason has let it lapse.... children/ jobs. Special Tuesday night sessions have been set up across the country. Whatever reason for stopping you can now get right back in there playing apponents of a similar standard. Eastbourne have embraced this iniciative with session being held at Gildredge Park. More information can be found visiting Tennis Tuesday
So if you want to return to tennis, then my personal recommendation would be to look into this option, it was great fun and a brilliant way to ease yourself back, not to mention meeting new folk. Well done to the LTA and thank you to Anne Keothavong for her kindness and Eastbourne Borough Council for the invite! I for one will be heading for the park next week, I might even splash out for a new pair of trainers...... My parting comment is however that I came second in the 'Round the World' Game, narrowly loosing to the professional! Humour me please.... I still have my dream!
Jackie Webley - PR & Marketing for the Grand Hotel