From four to 90, tennis has something for all (From Penarth Times)

From four to 90, tennis has something for all

DO YOU want to play an aerobic sport, which you can start at age four and still be playing at 90?

Well, at Dinas Powys Lawn Tennis Club that apparently remote possibility is fast becoming a probability, as our main picture illustrates.

Last Saturday the club brought together 21 current playing members to record this remarkable advancement in the sport, and to help publicise the opening of its 106th season.

Included are four juniors in the decade 0-10, one veteran in the 90-100 age range, and one female and one male player from each of the eight decades from 10-90.

The youngest of these, Amelia Davidson and Ben Hanson are both four, whilst the elder statesman Bill Keeling is in his 91st year. Given average luck, Amelia and Ben can look forward to playing for at least 87, if not 100 years!

Bill Keeling, a well-known local sportsman, has played tennis from age 16 and joined DPLTC in 1957.

He still plays at the club two or three times a week when not playing badminton or walking with the Ramblers. For several years he played league tennis for the club and his name is recorded on a number of club trophies.

Dinas Powys was the first Welsh club to affiliate with the British Veterans LTC and Bill has played in several of their tournaments at Wimbledon and Queens. He has served DPLTC as Chairman (1981-1984) and Club President (1995-1997).

Juniors Leah Cunningham, Alex Haines, Safiyyah Azeez and Daniel Pethig are dedicated players who, in the photograph, are representing the 200 or so juniors who currently enjoy their tennis at DPLTC.

Aged 15, Dan has already won both Junior and Senior Open Club Championships and plays regularly for the men's first team.

He is currently second in the Welsh 16 and Under rankings and in 2005 was ranked 21st in the GB Under-16s group and also won a Rhondda Cynon Taf Sports Personality of the Year Award.

Safi is ranked second in the 12 and Under rankings and was runner-up in her age group at the Welsh National Championships in 2005.

Coach Rob Walbyoff believes that both have a very bright future in tennis. They train for 10 to 15 hours a week, including technical work, fitness and matchplay skills.

All the senior players photographed have played major club roles, either by their playing ability and/or by helping to run the largest tennis club in Wales.

Gordon Cale and Dr Alun Bater have both served as Club Chairman and are currently Vice Presidents, with Alun holding the office of President (2003-2005).

Jon Lloyd and Nan Thomas have the best overall playing records within the club, having between them won more than 50 Open events, including 13 singles titles.

They have both represented South Wales and Wales in various age groups as have Keith Harvey, Margaret Hayley and Julie Collins. Jon, Nan, Margaret, Keith, Julie, Freda Emery and Simon Keane have all served as Club Captains.

Between them all those photographed have given more than 400 years service to the Dinas Powys LTC and the local community.

The junior members have over the years received excellent support and guidance from a succession of first class junior committees, dedicated leaders and coaches.

Today this tradition is being developed and broadened by Junior Chair Jan Cunningham and her committee of members and parents; plus the club's excellent contracted professional coach Rob Walbyoff and assistants Anthony Nelms and Nick Booth.

Together they are proud to be piloting a Lawn Tennis Association initiative to train ten older juniors to become Tennis Leaders, the first club in Wales to be involved.

This one year course, led by Jan, will result in the ten children gaining an award which can form part of the individual's Baccalaureate, their GCSE and/or a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

Already four other Welsh clubs have shown interest in sending their juniors to DPLTC for training next year.

This is all part of the club's drive towards qualifying as an LTA Performance Club and adds to the past work on Raw Tennis and the previous qualifications as an LTA Accredited Mini Tennis Club.

Tennis has clearly become a game for people of all ages and from all backgrounds. It can now be played outdoors at DPLTC in all weathers (apart from torrential rain or settled snow!) and for 12 hours on every day of the year.

Why not join us for our Play Tennis Day on Sunday, April 30, when people of all ages are invited to come to the club to play tennis, inspect our 12 all-weather courts, visit the clubhouse for a drink and enjoy a barbecue meal.

Juniors who decide they enjoy the sport will be invited to join the Saturday morning supervised and coached sessions for three to 18-year-olds, which run from 10am to noon from March to August.

The older juniors have Sunday afternoon sessions from September through March, and Family Days are held in every summer month, including inter-club activities.

Private coaching with Rob Walbyoff is available for all age groups, either individually or in groups.

Adults who wish to extend their playing trial after the Play Tennis Day can attend the club free for the two weeks after April 30, at any time.

You are also invited to attend the Open Invitation Saturday on May 13 at 2.30pm to play and have tea. Tickets for a barn dance in the Parish Hall on Saturday, May 6 will also be available.

So, whether you have never played but always wanted to, used to play and would like to start again - one member recently restarted after a 40 year gap - or have children who are eager to play, take advantage of this chance and play "Tennis for Life."

Why not visit our website: www.dpltc.freeuk.com or telephone Membership Secretary Chris Bevan on 01446 409068 or Junior Chairperson Jan Cunningham on 029 2051 2961 or Coach Rob Walbyoff on 07931 665431.