Express & Star

A marathon effort for tennis bubble

Players from Cheslyn Hay Tennis Club were today digging deep to raise funds for a new indoor facility.

Published

Eight players from the club are representing the West Midlands in a 24-hour tennis marathon held at the National Centre in Roehampton, which will see them take on a team of Great Britain internationals.

Among the Cheslyn Hay volunteers were Kim Williams and Claire Bailey, along with teenage ace James Clark, a member of the men’s first team.

Jayne Ball, Lombe Mwansa, Ben Smith, Nick Plant and Thom Lilley complete the squad.

The internationals taking part include Fed Cup player Naomi Cavaday and Marcus Willis, who faced Roger Federer on Centre Court during the 2016 Wimbledon Championships.

Another nine events are taking place at the same time at venues across the UK.

Cheslyn Hay are using it to raise funds for a new indoor tennis bubble, which would allow the sport to be played all year round at their Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre home.

They were invited to take part by GB Davis Cup player Danny Sapsford, who visited the club in September.

Cheslyn Hay head coach Chris Perrin said: “We are delighted to be chose to be part of a such as special event.

“The fundraising will help us to create a new facility to a enhance a community focused club.

“Through being able to play all year round, this will attract more beginners to join us and try the sport and increase the number of competitive players enjoying the game.”