Team Stony Tennis Junior Presentation & Awards Night

Hi Team Stony Tennis,

For the first time since 2019 (pre-Covid), I had the pleasure of proudly welcoming players, parents, and supporters back to the Stony Stratford Tennis Club Annual Junior Presentation Evening, an event dedicated to celebrating the achievements, commitment, and development of the club’s junior players.

The evening highlighted a landmark year for the programme, with 2025 marking the highest number of junior players and competitive participants in the club’s history. From internal competitions to LTA events, young athletes demonstrated exceptional progress, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm.

I have been a part of the club since 2010 and Stony Stratford Tennis Club has never been stronger, with the programme continuing to grow in scale, quality, and community impact.

This year’s achievements included:

• 9 LTA Grade 4 & 5 tournaments
  
  
• The LTA Play Your Way to Wimbledon competition
  
  
• 6 Team Challenger Events
  
  
• 4 Starter Tennis Tournaments
  
  
• Junior Club Championships
  
  
• A regionally recognized LTA Grade 3 Easter Tournament, attracting an impressive 285 competitors
  
  
• Thousands of children taking part in holiday camps, with the summer programme continuing to be a major highlight
  
  
• A thriving outreach initiative, delivering tennis assemblies and taster sessions in local schools
  
  

I am passionate about tennis and the importance of life skills developed through this sport. This year I discussed the attribute of “Being Brave,” and encouraged the players to embrace challenges, manage their emotions, and develop resilience…skills that translate well beyond the court.

I am very grateful to the Stony Stratford Tennis Club Committee, the parents, and the entire coaching team, as without their support, none of this is possible.

The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding commitment, performance, and inspiration across age groups.

Award Winners:

4–6PM Event (8&U Section)

• 8&U Player of the Year: Annia
  
  

6–8PM Event

• 9&U Player of the Year: Anvith Lokesh
  
  
• 10&U Player of the Year: Sofia Cancel
  
  
• 12&U Player of the Year: Samika Shetty
  
  
• 14&U Player of the Year: Ben Swallow
  
  
• 16&U Player of the Year: Antonio Dadios
  
  
• 18&U Player of the Year: Emily Marshall
  
  

Inspiration Awards:

• Sofia Hanak
  
  
• Hector Canovas
  
  

Player of the Year Cup (19th Annual Presentation):

• Emily Marshall, recognised as one of the club’s most remarkable long-term success stories. As the current 18&U County Champion and an active British Tour competitor, Emily is set to pursue a U.S. college scholarship next year.
  

Looking ahead, Team Stony Tennis are excited to continue fostering community engagement through a variety of social events, including the upcoming Junior Christmas Party on 6th December, a junior ice hockey social in February, and a Parent & Child Tournament in March.

Volunteers and potential sponsors are warmly encouraged to get involved as the programme continues to expand.

I look forward to what the next year will bring and the amazing stories we will create!

Happy tennising!

John Cavill