News
A huge congratulations to Kim S (Murray House) who was selected to represent the Independent Schools Tennis Association Team (ISTA) against ‘The All England Tennis Club’ on Saturday 25 March at Wimbledon.
This is an amazing achievement and honour for Kim. He is one of only four senior boys across the country selected from the independent sector to attend this prestigious event. The matches were played in the new indoor Tennis Centre at Wimbledon.
This was a very special experience for Kim. Please continue reading to find out more about the day.
On arrival, both teams and official supporters were served tea, coffee and pastries on the famous landing of the iconic clubhouse overlooking the beautiful grass courts and club surroundings. This was a fantastic opportunity for players and supporters to soak up some history of arguably the most famous Tennis Club in the world.
Team photographs with the Gorringe Trophies were then taken on the steps leading up to the main Club House entrance with ISTA representatives Chris Gorringe (President), Ralph Cake (Chairman) and AELTC Host, Ross Matheson before players then made their way across Somerset Road to the new state of the art Indoor Tennis Centre for a warmup session.
The centre comprises six acrylic courts beneath an impressive feature double curved roof structure, with an upper viewing gallery. This was the perfect location for Kim’s Mum, Grandpa and myself to witness such a special occasion. The format for the day was two rounds of doubles, and Kim’s respective team players were from Bradfield Collage, Ewell Castle School and Millfield School.
In full Wimbledon whites, Kim paired up with another talented pupil from Millfield School and battled it out against two very experienced AELTC pairs. What followed was fantastic doubles play from both sides, with some extremely fast-paced, and exceptional rallies. The younger ISTA team fought extremely hard, but it was eventually the experience of the AELTC team that won through with the boys losing 4-6, 1-6 and 4-6, 2-6. The final result was 3-1 to the AELTC. Overall, both sides played brilliantly, and the game was a real doubles masterclass
The teams were then able to shower in the luxury of the players changing rooms before being taken on a tour of the grounds, including a visit to the Royal Box, the famous Centre Court, Number One Court and the player’s walkway onto the court.
The day finished for players and official supporters with a wonderful Wimbledon Afternoon Tea in the Member’s Dining Room followed by speeches from Ross and Ralph.
The ISTA players were all presented with a Wimbledon book, and Kim will go away with amazing memories of having had the most wonderful opportunity to play and experience the legendary hospitality of the world’s most famous and loved Tennis venue.
Ms Ward, Head of Tennis, Hockey and Netball Coach
