Wellington College Real Tennis Update

College Levels Singles Finalists – Charlie Vleck (left) & Freddie Bristowe

Wellington had another successful year.  It is now one of the most active courts for the young. The game has become well established within Wellington, with both pupils and teachers showing massive enthusiasm. The rackets and real tennis programmes compliment each other, a testament to the head professional of each game, Ryan Tulley and Dan Jones.

Some 70 Wellington College pupils, both boys and girls, play real tennis regularly with many others being introduced to the game. Pupils from Wellington have entered leading national championships, with titles claimed including:

• Daisy Bristowe – British Under 15 level Singles
• Francesca and Willem Sweet – British Handicap Doubles
• Hugo Pennant – British Under 18 Handicap Singles
• Samm Daniels – British Under 18 Handicap B grade

Freddie and Daisy Bristowe won the College Boys and Girls Level Singles, a notable double for siblings especially as each has further years at Wellington.

During the year, the Club made great strides in developing a successful local schools’ programme with tremendous support from the Dedanists’ Foundation. Pupils from 4 state schools now receive regular coaching during term time and can participate in Saturday morning coaching clubs and holiday events. Pupils from Eagle House, Wellington’s affiliated prep school, also play regularly.

The Club hosted some 100 fixtures, including several Old Wellingtonian club matches, rejuvenated under Malcolm Thorp’s leadership.  The court and its surrounds continue to receive compliments, with many applauding the fast and true playing qualities of the walls and floor.  Plans are being developed to add a changing room complex, a project that has already been funded by the extraordinarily generous Peter Luck-Hille.

The open access club has more than 100 members, many of whom are new to the game and court usage has risen to healthy levels. William Maltby won the Level Singles Club Championship, beating Harry Eddis in a tight final.

The Club remains an active contributor to the game of real tennis, running training days for young professionals, the elite Dedanists’ Academy Squad, and Train the Trainer days for the Dedanists’ Foundation.

Many of you will be aware that HRH The Earl of Wessex is visiting every real tennis court in the World during 2018 with a view to raising the profile of and money for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. He is due to come to Wellington on 6^th September 2018. It could be a great opportunity to visit the court. More details of the programme for the day will follow.

We owe huge thanks to Simon Roundell, our incredibly enthusiastic master in charge. Many congratulations to our fantastic professional team, Dan Jones and Adam Player. They would be delighted to see you, especially if you haven’t yet played on the court.  Please contact Dan on DPJ@wellingtonfitness.co.uk or 07471 905 661.

Finally many thanks again for your donation.

William Maltby