Tennis club celebrates

SOUTHDOWN Sports Club celebrated its facelift after the Lewes floods, playing host to 250 young tennis hopefuls from across the county.

The Sussex Lawn Tennis Association, which was founded 112 years ago, has been holding its annual junior championships at the club in Cockshott Road for more than half a century.

This year s competition for youngsters aged six to 18, ended in a series of exciting finals, upholding Sussex LTA s aim of striving to produce more and better tennis players.

Said John Mayo, county secretary and tournament co-ordinator for Sussex LTA: We are particularly keen to encourage young tennis talent as the foundation for the future of British tennis .

This year s junior champions in the 18 and under doubles are Jordan Freitas and Tom Manton. James Cuthell won the 18 and under singles. In the girls section Nicola Gerrettt won the 18 and under singles and the 18 and under doubles with Caroline Goldring.

The mixed doubles were won by Jordan Freitas and Jodie Rogers.

A full list for all other categories is on Sussex LTA s website on www.sussextennis.org.uk.

Southdown sports club offers a free junior tennis scholarship programme to encourage primary school pupils to enter the game and to nurture their potential.

It is a testament to our coaching expertise that we already have several junior members who play at national level, said club chairman, Peter Grinter.

During the season up to 250 youngsters, who have a choice of artificial, all weather and grass courts, are coached at the club each week.

The club is holding an open morning tomorrow, Saturday, to show of all its new facilities and refurbished club house.

For information contact 01273 480630.

Pic: John Mayo county secretary and tournament co-ordinator for the Susex LTA keeps his eye on budding latent at Southdown sports club, Lewes.