Coach hopes to build on Wimbledon fever
Reporter: CHRIS LYNHAM
Date published: 22 June 2010
TENNIS:
ROYTON Tennis Club coach Bernard Cummins is serving up a sporting treat for young and old.
Upset at the amount of tennis clubs folding, he wants to spread the word about the game he loves and hopes to catch the imagination of local people with a series of schemes.
Bernard, 50, intends to visit schools to reignite youngsters’ enthusiasm for the sport, before inviting kids and parents to the Bransdale Avenue club for matches and a question and answer session.
He said: “It’s sad to see a lot of clubs having to stop due to lack of financial clout or just lack of interest.
“I would like to see more people, particularly kids but adults as well, getting excited about tennis again.
“I haven’t arranged specific dates or times yet because I am still in discussions with head teachers and putting the finishing touches to the plans.
“But there will be something in place before the end of Wimbledon, which is ideal because tennis will be on people’s minds again for a few weeks while that’s on television.”
Bernard, who has been with the club since 1987, held off on his plans until now because he has only recently completed his sports development management degree.
He and assistant coach Gill Smith think the addition of new members aged five upwards would be a breath of fresh air.
“We have some fantastic facilities, people should come along and make the most of them,” he added.
“I would love to see children follow in my footsteps, I was bitten by the tennis bug aged seven and never looked back.
“But it would be great to get a lot of adults involved too because everyone is welcome, so if we can get the message across to parents, even better.
“Dunwood Park has also received a grant to revamp the site, so I’m hoping for an opportunity to gain access to the courts and run some free sessions there. I will be speaking to the council.
“But the most important thing is, let’s just get people active and playing a fun sport again.”
You can read more about Bernard’s plans in future editions of the Chronicle.
For more information, call 07796 545032 and ask for Bernard.
