APRIL 2022 NEWSLETTER
ANOTHER SUMMER SEASON IS UPON US!
Tennis Courts Update!: The new surface has been laid, and is currently in the curing process, before painting is done in early May. The courts are playable during this process, but once the painting is complete by mid-May, the court work will be finished, and the courts looking and feeling amazing! We've also installed 3 brand new nets!
Hawker Jets make 2 Surrey Finals despite being homeless!: Despite set-backs during the knock-outs, not always having our best players, and having to play matches away from home (due to resurfacing works), we managed to make 2 finals! Big well done to the U14 Boys (Lucca, Nicho, Jeremy, Fabian), and also the U18 Boys (Tristan, Georgiy) for finishing runners-up in this winter's Surrey Team Trophy! Both Finals saw some crucial tie-breaks go against us, but our teams gave it everything and played very well, especially the U18's who excelled against very strong opponents in Byfleet.
To see the latest results, and read the latest reports, do check the Hawker Jets page!
Summer Term Classes: Please follow the link to see the timetable, and to book any of the few remaining spaces, or join waiting lists for classes. Winter courses are currently running over into this term, so most courses will re-start in May, and any spaces allocated to those on the waiting lists.
Individual success: The Winter term is often the quietest, but Hawker players still won 6 singles tournaments between them! Big well done to Nicho, who was our best performer! He won a grade 5 at Hawker, and followed that up by winning the Wilton half-term Grade 4 tournament, barely losing a game! He then stepped up to 16U Grade 4 events, making semi-finals, and then following up with a 3rd place finish in an event where he beat the top seed!
Summer 2022 Preview!: We have an U18 Boys team competing in the Premier Division of National League Team Tennis, which pits them against some of the strongest squads in the South East region! We can't wait for this exciting challenge! We'll also have another 5 teams playing at county level, gaining match experience, and hopefully challenging for more league titles!
Our annual Junior Summer Tournament day will be Sunday 3rd July this year. Do save the date, and get involved or just come and watch the action!
Hawker Tennis will also be involved in the Road to Wimbledon event, which now includes doubles. Also, the Surbiton Trophy Family Cup for red ball players to partner with a parent! Meanwhile, we continue to host official LTA tournaments from time to time, check the tournaments page for the schedule.
Our coaching programme will run through until mid-July, and then give way to our popular Summer Camps over the holidays. Hopefully the sun will shine on our new courts all summer long!
Best book EVER!: Kids can't concentrate as well today as they could 10-15 years ago. I've seen it first hand, and the research backs it up. Some of the examples I could give you of inability to concentrate are just ridiculous. This book explains why it's happening, and not just to kids. Johann Hari spent years travelling the globe, talking to experts, collecting the latest research, and experimenting. Social media and smart phones are unsurprisingly part of the problem, but why and how they are so bad for concentration is both surprising and alarming. They are also only the tip of the iceberg, with numerous other factors contributing to our diminishing ability to focus! If you're interested, then have yourself a read of 'Stolen Focus'!
This term, I'm experimenting with phone-free tennis for squad players for all tennis sessions and matches, and will continue to use drills and games that specifically promote focus and concentration.
It's important to say that kids who struggle to concentrate are not at fault in any way, neither are their parents. It's therefore very easy to empathise and be patient with this issue, but at the same time I do want to see if it's possible to help and improve things a little, watch this space!
Hawker Tennis Squads: The success of our players in team and individual competition continues to speak for itself. The squads are very close to capacity, though I always welcome new players to have a free trial, and will be flexible for those showing a high level and a great attitude! Please contact me directly if you're interested.
Thursday Night Tennis (TNT!): A great addition for higher standard players to add to their weekly training, and also a suitable session for competent players who can't commit to tennis, but still want to play each week. TNT has a few spaces available for this term, please get in touch if interested.
Matchplay: Matchplay is a gem for local juniors who wish to compete regularly and without having to travel too far to gain match experience, and the opportunity to develop their skills in the match environment. It’s open to players from other venues as well as Hawker, and caters for all levels. Please follow the link for more info.
Richmond/Sheen Sports: You could go to an online retailer, or a budget superstore, and you may save a few pounds, but you won't get better overall value. Here's the best option, pay a visit to RichmondSports or SheenSports!
They are managed by enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable staff, equally passionate about sports as they are about the local community, where they support many local clubs and schools, including ours.
Your individual needs will be met in a way the bigger retailers can't match, in terms of better advice, a more personal service, and a genuine desire to fulfil your sporting needs whatever they may be.
Being part of Hawker Tennis also entitles you to 10% off, so you'll be getting excellent all-round value, whilst helping them to keep helping us and other local clubs.
YouTube channel: 60 videos, and though most date from the original Project 2015, they are still fun and relevant! The videos have received over 450,000 views between them! Videos Index
Tennisplayer.net: I'm an established contributor on this world leading coaching resource site, having written 2 lengthy series of articles, the first in 2016/17 on 1-2 Rhythm, and the latest on Marginal Gains in 2020. There is currently an offer of 30 days free trial to access the whole site!
Racism: Check the link for the latest from myself and the LTA, though there is no update since the January newsletter.
Adult Tennis - Select 'Adult' filter to see all current courses
Feel free to get in touch about anything at all.
Best wishes
Nick
Remembering Joe Horner (it's all too easy to forget, so this memorial will remain on this page. I hope people continue to find enough time to reflect on the growing issue of mental health, especially in younger people): Joe was a regular face at Matchplay during many of his teenage years. He loved coming down to play, to mix with friends and enjoy the special atmosphere. His highlight was winning the 2009 Summer Tournament Doubles.
Sadly, Joe struggled with severe depression from his early 20's, and his mental health largely deteriorated during this time. He was very open about his problems, and had so much love from family and friends, but tragically in April 2019, he took his own life.
I have very fond memories of Joe, because he really understood what Hawker Tennis was all about, and fully appreicated being part of it even from a young age. He turned into a fine young man, so considerate of others, and always a pleasure to chat to.
After finishing education, Joe worked as a keeper at Chessington Zoo, and then moved on to ZSL at London Zoo. ZSL work worldwide on conservation to help save endangered species, something that was very close to Joe's heart.
For those who knew Joe, perhaps you would like to donate to this cause, or write a few words on his memorial page. Links are still up to date in 2022, and as follows:
Summer 2021 - Hawker Jets won 9 out of 10 leagues, with a match record of Played 29, Won 28!