Hi Team Stony Tennis
As we wrap up the final week of our tennis program for 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we've shared at Stony Stratford Tennis Club. It has been a truly remarkable journey filled with achievements, milestones, and wonderful memories.
Looking back through our Facebook page reminds me of the many highlights that have made this year so special. The level of play continues to rise, with Alisha Ndukwu breaking into the top 10 under-16 players and Kyle Babbage moving to Bath to train full-time while competing in International Tennis Federation junior competitions. We are also immensely proud of Nicholas Morrell, Emily Marshall, Shravanti Venkatakrishnan, and Sofia Cancel, who are regularly competing at the national level.
These successes are a testament to not only the players’ dedication but also the unwavering support of their parents, who spend countless hours traveling across the country to cheer them on. Their commitment fuels the growth of these young athletes, and we are so grateful for their role in the Team Stony journey.
It’s equally rewarding to see so many players competing in regional, county, and local tournaments. Hearing consistent praise about their exceptional behavior and team spirit is heartwarming. For me, this embodies what we stand for as a club, and everyone should feel immensely proud.
Key Highlights of 2024
Thank You and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we close out the year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone—players, parents, coaches, and members—for making Stony Stratford Tennis Club the incredible community it is. Together, we’ve built something truly special, and I look forward to continuing this journey in 2025.
If you have any great stories to share or just want to get in touch, please feel free to reply to this email. In the meantime, I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Happy tennising!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis
As we wrap up the final week of our tennis program for 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we've shared at Stony Stratford Tennis Club. It has been a truly remarkable journey filled with achievements, milestones, and wonderful memories.
Looking back through our Facebook page reminds me of the many highlights that have made this year so special. The level of play continues to rise, with Alisha Ndukwu breaking into the top 10 under-16 players and Kyle Babbage moving to Bath to train full-time while competing in International Tennis Federation junior competitions. We are also immensely proud of Nicholas Morrell, Emily Marshall, Shravanti Venkatakrishnan, and Sofia Cancel, who are regularly competing at the national level.
These successes are a testament to not only the players’ dedication but also the unwavering support of their parents, who spend countless hours traveling across the country to cheer them on. Their commitment fuels the growth of these young athletes, and we are so grateful for their role in the Team Stony journey.
It’s equally rewarding to see so many players competing in regional, county, and local tournaments. Hearing consistent praise about their exceptional behavior and team spirit is heartwarming. For me, this embodies what we stand for as a club, and everyone should feel immensely proud.
Key Highlights of 2024
- Majorca Training Trip: In February, I travelled to Majorca with four players to train at the Global Tennis Team Academy. The experience of high-intensity clay court training under my mentor, Jofre Porta—former coach to Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya—was unforgettable.
- First LTA Grade 3 Tournament: In April, we hosted our first LTA Grade 3 tournament, cementing our place on the tournament circuit map. We are thrilled to host this prestigious event again in 2025.
- Coaching Team Expansion: We welcomed three new coaches—Nick Boys, Toby Draper, and Hindi Karim—to the team this year. We also bid farewell to Phil Hill, who returned to Kent after 10 incredible years with us. Longevity is rare in our industry, yet Coach Lam and Coach Richard have now been with us for over a decade, and Coach Jason is nearing five years. Their dedication is at the heart of our success.
- Summer Camps: This summer, our camps reached a record-breaking 1,347 spots filled! These camps continue to grow thanks to a well-structured format that combines skill development with fun activities.
- Junior Club Championships: This year, we revamped the championships, scheduling events over a single weekend prior to the finals. This change led to a fantastic finals’ day in September.
- Junior Development: Beyond playing, several juniors have taken their first steps into coaching through our Tennis Leaders courses and the LTA Level 1 coaching program. Tennis offers so many pathways, and we’re proud to help our juniors build valuable life skills.
- Festive Fun: Our recent Junior Christmas Party and coaching team night out were the perfect way to celebrate the year. Tennis is not just about competition—it’s a social sport, and these moments of connection are what truly make Team Stony special.
Thank You and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we close out the year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone—players, parents, coaches, and members—for making Stony Stratford Tennis Club the incredible community it is. Together, we’ve built something truly special, and I look forward to continuing this journey in 2025.
If you have any great stories to share or just want to get in touch, please feel free to reply to this email. In the meantime, I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Happy tennising!
John Cavill
Director of Tennis