When Tillie (Trowbridge Westbourne, aged 13), played doubles against Tessa McWhirter (Chippenham Park, aged 73) this week, the 60 year age gap proved that tennis really is a sport for life.
Trowbridge Westbourne Tennis Club, at Westbourne Gardens, hosted the match in the first division of the Chippenham & District Women’s Doubles League.
“There aren’t many sports where a 60 year age gap is not a barrier to competing against each other,” said Kay Gilbert, League Rep for Trowbridge Westbourne. “Whilst Tillie can run to hit aggressive topspin winners, Tessa plays with slice and can outfox her opponents with clever placement of the ball. Both learn from each other and have fun doing so.”
“Tillie has been a very valuable addition to our Women’s A team; it’s been lovely to see her enjoying her tennis and learning to play against different styles of players. She can use the experience she gets at local league level to help her play more strategically on the LTA regional singles circuit.”
Rob Tedder, Chair of Trowbridge Westbourne Tennis Club, winners of ‘Wiltshire Tennis Club of the Year’ added, “In addition to our robust Safeguarding policy, our club has recently published a new junior/youth pathway into the adult game, to make sure younger players can have a good experience when transitioning to play in the open club sessions or represent the club in league matches.”
“Keeping juniors in sport is key to promoting healthy active lifestyles, and as a volunteer run community club, we offer something for everyone. We have members returning to the sport years after they last played as well as people picking up a racket for the first time at all ages. They can access coaching with Blue Sky Tennis at our club, join in club sessions, play competitive matches, or book courts for free play. We welcome all new members”
The Chippenham & District Tennis League is in its 62nd year, with over 20 local tennis clubs entering a total of 100 teams into 15 divisions across the Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Summer Championships. The League is run by a small group of dedicated volunteers, and offers a Winter League too.
Kay Gilbert