Sebastian Bartlett
Sebastian was picked out by the Cliff Richard Tennis Trail earlier this year - even though he had never held a tennis racket before.
"Tennis means a lot to me because I enjoy it and am quite good at it - it also keeps me busy all the time. Tennis has made a big difference to me because I am a lot fitter and it gives me a committment. Tennis makes me work for higher goals"
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Michael Bowler
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In the last year, Michael made it to the finals of the Yorkshire Under 14s Championships, he played for the Yorkshire Under 18s in the County Cup and won the Middlesborough Under 16s Open. He also qualified for the Yorkshire Open Championships in Leeds.
'"Tennis means a lot to me because it's not seasonal like football or rugby. I can play tennis all year round, it keeps me busy and fit."
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Gemma Chitticks
Since becomming a Trailblazer Gemma has won a number of tennis tournaments. In the last year she has won the Queenswood Regional Final, the Winsum League and achieved 100% wins off her own rating.
"Tennis means everything to me, I don't know where I would be without it. Tennis has given me something to aim for in life. I wouldn't give it up for the world"
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Matthew Cousins
Matthew is one of our youngest players. In the last year he has improved his overall tennis performance, winning through to a number of competition finals. With his doubles partner, Kieran Muir he also won the Windosir, Tring and Chesham Boys tournaments.
"Tennis means that I am always busy, either coaching, playing competitions, or playing with friends from my club. I have made lots of new friends and travel to a lot of different places. Tennis has made a difference to my life because I am always doing something. I have become more responsible"
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Tara Hall
Tara has been playing tennis for three years, since being introduced to the sport through the Tennis Trail. In the last year she has won the Hatfield 11under, the under 11 girls at Lionel Cox, and the 12 & under singles and doubles at the Felixstow Open Junior Tournament.
"The Cliff Richard Tennis Foundation introduced me to tennis, I had never played before. I now have a sport to work hard at and enjoy. I have also learned to play as part of a team and to support other people. Tennis means a lot to me. I love playing the sport and trainig with my coach "
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John-Paul Llano
John-Paul has continued to play well in the last year, moving up a rating and winning several tournaments. These included the Wesyway 14&under and 16& unders,and the Middlsex County 14 & under.
"Tennis has helped me to keep out of trouble. To learn my responsibilities and to be proud of who I am. Tennis has also given the opportunity to have a better education "
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Jessica Map
Jessica was introduced to Tennis by the Tennis Trail when she was 9, having never played before. She was soon spotted by the coaches and has been training with the county squad. Her initial rating of 7.2 has now improved to 6.3 and she will shortly be playing her first county match.
"I didn't know I had a talent for tennis until the Cliff Richard Tennis Trail came to my school. Tennis has made a big difference to my life. I play at least 4 times a week after school and weekends aswell, playing in tounaments"
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Melanie McKenzie
Melanie has been playing tennis as one of our Trailblazers for a number of years and competes in numerous tournaments and events. In the last year alone she was the Ayreshire Championships under 16 winner and the South of Scotland Senior Grand Prix Ladies Champion. She has represented the West of Scotland in the 18s girls County Cup and at the Inter District Championships, where the team won. She has also achieved a host of runner-up places including the East of Scotland under 16, the West of Scotland under 16 and North East of Scotland under 16. Well done Maria for a great year's play!
"Getting picked by the Cliff Richard Tennis Trail has been brilliant. Tennis is a major part of my life - I train at least six days a week and I'm always playing different tournaments at the weekends. It's hard to imagine life without my tennis racket. Before I started playing tennis, my asthma got in the way of me being able to enjoy sports. But after a few years of playing tennis my asthma has improved immensely."
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Melanie has earned great recognition for her success and recently appeared in a television news report to talk her about her love of tennis and her involvement with the Tennis Foundation. Click on the icon to listen to the feature. (Requires Real Player)
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Alex Moyes
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Alex is one of our newest Trailblazers and holds a place in the Norfolk County U12 team. He has recently won the U12 Doubles at the Norwich Parks Event
"Tennis is fun and gives me something to look forward to. Since playing tennis I have become a much fitter person. It has given me something to aim for and succeed at."
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Daniel Regan
Daniel recently played the number 2 in Yorkshire in the County Cup and also played at the National International Tennis Academy, under 10s - reaching the top 64 in the country.
"Tennis means a lot to me because it is one of my favourite sports. It has made me a lot fitter and it gives me the courage to win."
Martin Regan
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Martin is Daniel's twin and proof that tennis must run in the family! He recently played the number 1 in Yorkshire in the County Cup and at the National International Tennis Academy he reached the top 32 in the country.
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The twins recently appeared in a news report on 'Look North'. You can watch the programme or listen to the soundtrack by clicking on the icons.
(Requires Real Player)
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Lucy Roze
Lucy is a National Futures Player and in the last year has won the 12 & Under Cheltenham Junior Tournament and was the 12 & U County Champion. She also made it to the quarter finals 12 & under Aldershot Junior Tournament, the semi finals of the 11 & under Clay Courts and was the runner-up in the 12 & under Bristol Hard Court's Junior Tournament.
"Tennis is a competitive spoer where hard work is needed, but some fun. Training and competing in matches helps me to improve and winning matches boosts my confidence. Tennis has made a big difference to my life by encouraging me to join in with others. I have made lots more friends who like the same things I do"
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Matthew Ward
Since becoming a Trailblazer, Matt has achieved a rating of 2.2. He has won the under 16s and under 18s at the Sutton Clay Court Tournament and most recently won both the under 16s and 18s at the Sussex Open on Grass
"Tennis is a sport I love and has given me many opportunities. I have made lots of good friends and I am now trying to make a career out of tennis"
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Maria Wisdom
Maria was recently voted the most improved under 18 player at Portsmouth Indoor Tennis Centre and has now joined their Tennis Acadamey as a ful time student
"Tennis is my life. I wouldn't chnage this opportunity for anything. Tennis gives me a target to focus on for the future. It has opened many doors for me that I plan to take full advantage of "
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