Hi Team Stony Tennis,

In April we are hosting our prestigious regional LTA Grade 3 tournament at the club which attracts players both locally and from all over the country. Having attracted 285 entries in our first year, we over-exceeded all expectations by about 100 entries, to put the club firmly on the UK competition map!

These events are fantastic for exposure and to give local players the opportunity to compete at a high level without excessive travel, but the reality of these events is that they are only possible with the help of volunteers and sponsorship. The cost of balls, trophies, referee, administration, court supervisors, marketing and much more are always a challenge.

We are looking for companies and individuals to help us help local competitive players but there is more to sponsorship than just a charitable gesture; it’s an investment in the future. From promoting healthy lifestyles to building community ties, supporting young athletes brings numerous benefits to both the sponsors and the community.

Here’s why sponsoring youth sports is a rewarding and impactful decision.

1. Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Youth sports play a crucial role in promoting physical activity, helping children develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. By sponsoring these programmes, businesses contribute to the well-being of young athletes, encouraging them to stay active, fit, and healthy.

2. Fostering Teamwork and Leadership
Sports teach essential life skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication. By supporting youth sports, sponsors help cultivate these qualities in young players, preparing them for future roles in their personal and professional lives.

3. Strengthening Community Bonds
Sponsoring local youth sports teams fosters a sense of community and belonging. It brings people together, creating a supportive environment where children and families can thrive. Businesses that invest in local sports become valued community partners, enhancing their reputation and goodwill.

4. Providing Opportunities for All
Many families face financial barriers that prevent their children from participating in sports. Sponsorships can help cover the costs of equipment, kit, and travel, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to play, regardless of their economic background.

5. Encouraging Academic and Social Success
Participation in sports has been linked to improved academic performance and social development. Sponsors play a vital role in supporting programmes that help young athletes succeed not just on the court, but also in the classroom and beyond.

6. Building Brand Awareness and Loyalty
Sponsoring youth sports is an effective way for businesses to increase brand visibility and connect with local audiences. By associating their brand with positive community activities, companies can enhance their public image, attract new customers, and foster loyalty among existing ones.

7. Inspiring Future Leaders
Youth sports programmes often inspire participants to pursue leadership roles, whether in sports, business, or community service. Sponsors contribute to the development of future leaders who can make a positive impact on society.

8. Creating Positive Role Models
Through sponsorship, businesses can help provide young athletes with access to mentors, coaches, and role models who inspire and guide them. These relationships can have a lasting impact, shaping the character and values of young players.

9. Demonstrating Corporate Social Responsibility
Sponsoring youth sports aligns with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. It shows that a business is committed to giving back to the community, which can enhance its reputation and build trust with customers and stakeholders.

10. Making a Lasting Impact
The benefits of youth sports sponsorship go beyond immediate financial support. They leave a lasting impact by contributing to the personal development of young athletes, enriching the community, and setting a positive example for other businesses to follow.

I know that sponsorship is a meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of these young athletes while also benefiting the sponsoring organisation. It’s an investment in health, education, and community, creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, supporting youth sports is a powerful way to give back and ensure a brighter future for the next generation.

So, if you or your company would like to make a lasting impact— I would really welcome a conversation on how you can make a world of difference.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

Tomorrow the kids break up for February Half Term and this is your last chance to sign up for our exciting Tennis & Multi-Activity Camp, kicking off on Monday, 17th February. Don’t miss out on a week of fun, learning, and active play!

Camp Highlights:

 For Ages 5-14 – Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players.

 Indoor & Outdoor Fun – Play on indoor courts, use our fitness studio, and relax in the clubhouse.

 Exciting Activities – Tennis drills, matches, plus games like football, basketball, rounders, dodgeball & more!

Camp Details:

 Dates: Monday 17th – Friday 21st February

 Times & Prices:

 Full Week (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM) – £167.00 (Includes a FREE T-shirt!)
 Full Day (8:30 AM - 4:00 PM) – £35.00
 Half Day (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM or 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM) – £18.00


Why Join?

 Skill Development – Learn from expert coaches and improve your game.

 Social Fun – Make new friends and enjoy screen-free activities.

 Safe & Supervised – A fully monitored and secure environment.

Register Now!

• Sign Up: Click here to register or visit our website for more details.

Limited spots are available, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity for a week full of tennis, fun, and new friendships!

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

I think we have a big problem in the UK to produce a large number of top tennis players. I love tennis and deep down inside, I am always looking at talented kids and wondering where they will be in the next 10-15 years. Other countries have a wealth of talent coming through, so what is it that is stopping the UK?

I put it down to several factors, starting with limited access to facilities and coaching. High-quality tennis facilities and professional coaching can be expensive and less accessible compared to other sports, limiting the pool of young players who can train effectively from an early age. You’ve only got to compare tennis with the infrastructure football has and we are a million miles away.

We all moan about it, especially this time of year, but the UK's often inclement weather can hinder outdoor training and play, potentially reducing the amount of practice time available compared to countries with more favorable climates. Somewhere like Barcelona or Mallorca that have 300 days a year of sunshine makes it far more favorable.

We also have a huge lack of indoor facilities across the country, which is mainly due to the cost. Having a great big indoor space with 4 people on it isn’t as financially rewarding as 40 people using the same space as a gym. Personally, if there was more investment in affordable and accessible indoor facilities, I think there would be more people playing.

As mentioned earlier, sports like football and rugby are extremely popular in the UK and attract much of the talent and resources, leaving tennis with a smaller pool of potential elite athletes. These sports feature highly on the school curriculum and are easier for teachers to organize both from a facility and play perspective.

I also feel that there is an issue with the grassroots development programmes, including insufficient funding, inadequate facilities, or lack of structured pathways for young players to progress to higher levels. Cultural factors may also play their part as tennis has traditionally been seen as a middle-class sport in the UK, which might limit participation across different socio-economic groups. This cultural perception can reduce the diversity and number of young people taking up the sport.

Team sports are generally much cheaper than individual sports and I see financial barriers everywhere! Tennis can be an expensive sport to pursue at a competitive level, with costs for coaching, equipment, travel, and tournament fees potentially prohibiting talented individuals from lower-income backgrounds. Because football development is done by the clubs which invest huge amounts of money generated from their commercial activities, tennis clubs are nowhere near the same league. Most of the money comes from parental investment where if you are a talented footballer, the club will provide everything.

Developing a top tennis player requires comprehensive support, including sports science, nutrition, and psychological coaching. If these support systems are not adequately provided, players may struggle to reach their full potential. If you go to Spain, there are loads of academies where you can train full time. This is not the same in the UK, so again, we are not going to produce the volume at the bottom to get the number at the top.

While there have been successful British tennis players like Andy Murray, a broader base of role models can inspire more young players to take up the sport and pursue it seriously. Everyone wants to be Erling Haaland or Jordan Pickford (sorry, I had to get an Everton player in here somehow!), but the media coverage is dominated by football with other sports above us.

Finally, the structure and competitiveness of junior and lower-level adult competitions in the UK is way behind other countries and I believe this has a huge impact on player development. A lack of challenging and frequent competitive opportunities will hinder progress. When you go to southern Spain, every week there will be suitable tournaments not far away.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the governing body, local clubs, schools, and the community to create a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment for budding tennis talent.

Here at Stony Stratford Tennis Club, we are very proud to have overcome many of the challenges. We have cheap and accessible indoor courts, accessible coaching programme all year around and we encourage players to compete regularly. These kids are likely not to become professional tennis players, but who knows? One thing we can guarantee is that they will be well-rounded individuals and likely to achieve greatness in their life as they get older. This is the true value of tennis and what has kept me on a tennis court for 30 years.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic, so please reply and let me know.

Happy tennising!

John Cavill
​
Director of Tennis