Bude's Promising Young Tennis Players

Two local young tennis players are showing great potential at a very young age. They have both represented the county at Regional and National Tournaments where they have been successful.

Louis Davey (8) and Samuel Jennings (9), both pupils at Stratton Primary school, are spending 6 hours a week playing tennis plus competitions.

Over the Christmas holiday Louis played in the National Powder Bryne 8u tournament at Bisham Abbey, Marlow. Louis, coached by Hannah Miller at the Tarka Tennis Centre in Barnstaple, took the prestigious Powder Byrne Trophy title on Sunday 18 December, defeating players who had qualified from all over the country. His prize was 2 Dunlop tennis bags, tennis balls and a 1 year initial sponsor contract with Dunlop, to supply Louis with rackets, clothing and bags. 

Louis is also attending a two day trip to West Hants during February half term, playing and receiving coaching, at an Elite training Centre. He is also attending County & Regional Talent ID days in January & March.  From January 2012 Louis will play in grade 3 regional tournaments which means some big trips away, the first to Bath University at the end of this month.

Samuel Jennings who trains in Bude and Bodmin has, in the last year, won 2 tournaments in Bristol, the Clifton College and the David Lloyd open. He also qualified for a LTA National event by winning the regional tournament in Exmouth. 

Samuel has made the long trip to Cambridge for his first taste of the national circuit which was a fantastic experience for him. Samuel's successes resulted in him being selected for the u9 County Tennis Squad and he has also been included in the county u10 squad for 2012 season. Samuel is a member of Bude RATS (Running And triathlons) and of Bude Youth Football Club, where he is a talented footballer. Thanks must go to the Blanchminster trust who have assisted in the funding of one of Samuel's trips away. Samuel owes a great deal of thanks to Martin Venning and Gary Bickle for their constant training support and help.

Stratton Head teacher Phil Aldis says 'We are very proud of both Samuel and Louis and their achievements.  They not only play to a very high standard but both obviously really enjoy their tennis and are very modest about their success."

Both boys are being supported by the Budehaven Community School Junior Athlete Education (JAE) Programme which offers support to the talented athletes at Budehaven and their feeder primary schools to ensure that a balance is kept between school and sport at the top level.