A new tennis programme led by former Great Britain international Gary Payton, who has returned to Cumbria after several years in Devon, is coming to the Keswick and Braithwaite club next month.
It will include mini tennis sessions (red, orange and green categories) using smaller rackets and slower, lower bouncing balls for children from age six, junior sessions for 11-18-year-olds, and adult sessions.
These will start at Keswick and Braithwaite from May 8 at the Braithwaite site.
The programmes are being organised and coached by Gary, who is a former GB number one and world number 12 in the International Tennis Federation seniors rankings, and GB seniors international player as well as a level 4 qualified and licensed LTA coach.
Gary recently returned to Cumbria following a five-year coaching stint at the EF International School and Cary Park Tennis Club in Torquay, following 16 years coaching in Kirkby Stephen, where he was also sports development manager at the town’s grammar school.
His 22-year-old daughter Hannah — a very accomplished player herself — with whom he finished third in the 2016 national father and daughter competition in Birmingham, will be helping him to deliver the sessions.
“It’s great to be back in Cumbria and I’m really looking forward to the new sessions. They are filling up very quickly,” said Gary, who is currently coaching the Cumbria county girls under-18, under-14, under-12 and under-11 teams.
Keswick and Braithwaite sessions will be: Red (6-8 years), Saturdays from May 8, 9.30-10.10am. Orange (8-9 years), Saturdays from May 8 10.20-11.05. Green (11 and under), Saturdays from May 8 11.10-12.00. Juniors (14 and under), Saturdays from May 8, 12.10-13.10 Juniors (18 and under), Saturdays from May 8, 13.15-14.15 Adult rusty rackets sessions, Wednesdays from May 12, 6-7pm.
Anyone interested in taking part in any of the above sessions should contact Gary directly on 07890 615926. Sessions must be pre-booked as spaces are extremely limited.
Keswick and Braithwaite Lawn Tennis Club is a welcoming and vibrant club, offering access to six quality tennis courts (three grass and three
hard).
Top quality coaching is available along with relaxed, inclusive and social club sessions and regular competitive play, with the club competing in both the West Cumbria and the National League (Cumbria).
