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seagull


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My sons first tennis tournament (Aged 5 and a half!!)
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My son Matthew has been playing on court with me since he was about 3 years old and has always loved it. He joined the local David Lloyd a few months ago and had a weeks course in the Easter holidays (and won a little competition at the end). 
As he was keen I signed him up for a 12 week course (Mini Red 3) and that meant he was entitled to a free private session with the coach there. At the lesson the coach was amazed at his level of play (he said he is playing at an 8 year old standard) and said he should be playing tournaments!!

So this Sunday morning he will be making his debut in Lewes (against 5-8 year olds) on a small court as part of the mini red events the LTA hold.

Don't know what to expect so and advice from anyone who has been through it would be great - to be honest I will just be glad if he goes on the court as he is not the most confident of kids (even though he thinks he is the best tennis player around apart from Roger!!)

Will let you know how it goes....aww  

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steven


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Is that Roger Federer or Roger his mate from down the street? smile.gif

Seriously, good luck to him! smile.gif

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RedCabbage


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Best of luck to the wee dude.

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RedCabbage


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Also...following the next format he'll be able to play Eastbourne in the future which is convenient for home :)

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seagull


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Not my home (Worthing)..you planning on supporting him then??!!!!

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RedCabbage


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I'll support him when he's playing Eastbourne! But for this Sunday I will be in Gloucestershire so he will have to make do with the knowledge that the board are supporting him from afar :)

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seagull


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Good to know!!

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Madeline


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Ah, bless! Good luck to him.

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imoen


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good luck to him, I hope he enjoys himself whatever happens.

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The Hoose


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Sounds like a lot of fun. Are the ball boys for these tournaments still in nappies?

Good luck to the young Seagull.

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XCW4EVA


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Good luck to the young fella, did you realise he was that good mate or was what the coach said a bolt from the blue?

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seagull


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I knew he had great timing and co-ordination and I kind of guessed he was talented when I was having rallies with him on a full size court!! but didn't really know how he compared to other kids...

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XCW4EVA


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How did the event go seagull?

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goldfish


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Hope he had a lot of fun and that it wasn't too hard watching his first tournament


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seagull


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Well having spent most of Saturday telling me he was not going to play and just watch I feared the worst. Turned up at club at about 9.30 and it was already boiling but Matthew decided it was a great idea to knock a ball against the wall in the sun for about 20 mins before it started!!

About 15 kids were split into 2 groups and Matthew seemed to draw the short straw and be in with a lot of older boys. Anyway despite not being keen at first he went on the court for his first match (as long as I went on court with him!!). It was basic stuff (sponge balls on a quarter size court - and first to 7 points). His first opponent was at least 7 and started by blasting an overarm serve in the court. Matt managed to win a couple of points but was all very new to him (he was letting ball bounce twice, hitting it when going out etc).

Next he played a boy the same age and did not lose a point. By this time he was really enjoying it (and had to keep telling him to sit down between match's as he was chasing his cousin round the complex and getting very red!!). He played 4 more matchs (lost to 3 older kids and beat a boy the same age).

I was soo proud of him for just going on the court ( not sure I would have done at that age) and it was a great learning experience for him. Not sure what it told me about his ability as the court was so small compared to what he is used to and he was up against match savvy bigger kids.

Anyway he wants to do it again on Friday after school at a club in Chichester and then we will give it a break until the school holidays. he got a nice certificate for taking part and it was well organised. One thing that struck me was how miserable most of the kids were - they hardly said a world or smiled even when they won? wheras Matthew spent most of him time chatting to the dads that were referring (while he was playing!)

Thanks to all those who wished him luck

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