River

River’s mum says: “River came a very close 2nd in the 12U at the Woking Whitsun tournament last week. She lost to Sussex no.3 Sophie; River is no.4 and is also her doubles partner. River won against Sophie in January. The organiser at the trophy presentation highlighted their positive attitude and great sportsmanship and said how they are role models in still laughing and smiling together at the end of a very close match! 

In the 14U this week, River was out 1st round but won both her consolation matches one of which was on grass which was good practice for the Play Your Way To Wimbledon county finals on the 21st-22nd June.

River said to say a huge thank you to all at the Starr Trust!

It's such a joy seeing River do what she loves most, I'm so grateful, thank you.”

On Saturday 17th of May, River played her first Play Your Way To Wimbledon event in the u14 girls singles, which she won in a close match against Neve Allison. She’s now been invited to the county final, which if she wins will get her to the Wimbledon junior championships.

River says: “Overall these past two months have really had a huge impact on my tennis. I have worked extremely hard on my mental strength and tactics using data and statistics to fix my game. Technique wise I have been told by my coaches I have improved so much during the past few months. Now my development coach Jon is working with me on more statistics, increasing my concentration, and now has started to teach me a kick serve which would make me the only girl in Sussex to have one. I have really enjoyed travelling over the UK to tournaments and meeting new people on my tennis journey. Thank you so so so much Starr Trust.”

Over the Easter holidays, River competed in two week-long tournaments in Tunbridge Wells and the Weald.

During the first week, in Tunbridge Wells, River competed in the u12 and u14, reaching the quarter finals in the u12.

In week two, River competed at the Weald open in the u12singles, u12 doubles, u14 singles and u14 doubles. In the u12 singles River reached the quarter finals, then in the u13 doubles River and her partner Sophie reached the semi-finals and overall came fourth. Overall she had a great couple of weeks and really enjoyed the tennis.

Later in May River competed in the u14 singles at Croydon, making it to the finals to come second in the tournament.

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River and her doubles partner Scarlett came 3rd in the tournament at Preston Lawn Club on Sunday. It was their first doubles match with each other and they performed well, bringing their opponents' Sussex no.1 seed to a championship tie break. River and Scarlett are looking forward to more matches together.

River will also be visiting the Ferrero Tennis Academy in Spain in October; she's been very kindly funded by Dan of Preson Park Tennis CIC, who said that River has too much potential to miss out on this opportunity.

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Congratulations to River on her achievements at the Storrington New Year’s Tournament, in which she won the 12U category and placed 2^nd in the 14U category!

We awarded River the funds to continue with her tennis training.

River mum says "Wow! Thank you! River was absolutely thrilled to hear the good news! To see your child excel in something that makes them so happy, staying focused, brings me so much joy"

River's mum updated us with how River's been getting on:

"River has had a fantastic summer!

Along with all the tournaments she thoroughly enjoyed her 2 week summer camp with Tennis Tigers.

August kicked off with a win at Croydon High Sports U11's.

In late August she competed at the County Championships in Lewes.

River had an amazing come back against the Sussex no.3, coming back from 6-0 down to a set tie break 6-8, she was unlucky but learnt so much from that game as she dug so deep for the strength to turn the score around. 

She said she has learnt a lot about herself and what she feels she wants to work on.

7th & 8th September was the Fred Perry Qualifying Tournament U11s & U12s at Hollingbury & Hove Park.

River came 3rd in the U11s,  winning against the Sussex no.1.

She also played England's no.53 in U12s with a decent score.

Thank you all so much for supporting River!

She really wouldn't of been able to do any of this without it!"

We gave River the funds to continue with her tennis coaching.

Rivers mum says: "As a mum, nothing brings me greater joy than watching River enjoy and excel in her tennis. It means so much to her. She's happiest when playing and thrives on the challenge of being her best through coaching and matches, being granted a Starr trust grant makes her dreams possible."

River won the Tennis Tigers Green Ball Tournament earlier this month. Congratulations River!