2012 Message From The Chairman

Chairman’s Foreword – Dec 11 – Nov 12

What at great year 2011 was for RAF Tennis! We started with a warm-up session in late January, with novices, squad players and new coaches all combining to produce a really enjoyable and inspiring event over 2 days that set the scene for the rest of the season. The main themes of improved participation, increased match-play for senior players, increased involvement in military disability sport and improved performance were all met. The leadership of the 2 captains, Flt Lt Chris Evans and Sqn Ldr Kate Frayling, along with the Director of Tennis Wg Cdr Lyn McManus, combined with the inspired coaching team of FS Marc Hughes and Sgt Andy Keeley produced some excellent results in inter-service competitions. A sense of fun and camaraderie was evident throughout the year, which made it more enjoyable for all concerned.

The RAF Championships were a great success with increased numbers entering in all competitions, very well organised by the Honorary Secretary, Sqn Ldr Ash Cudlipp and his team. The Mens' final saw Flt Chris Evans beat FS Marc Hughes, playing in his last Championships, his immense contribution over many years as a player and a coach to RAF Tennis will be sorely missed.

The highlight of the year was the RAF Squad performance at the Inter-Service A Championships. Team preparation paid off with some remarkable hard fought and gritty performances which inspired the rest of the squad. At the end of the first day the RAF led both other Services by a small margin; by the end of the second day we had won the “Grand Slam” of Mens’ and Ladies’ Veterans trophies as well as the main Mens’ and Ladies’ trophies. This was a feat unequalled in the history of Inter-Services Tennis and was a deserved reward for the hard work during the whole season. The team were honoured to have been short listed for the RAF sports team award of the year at Halton, just missing out on the award itself.

The challenge is on for this season to repeat the progress made last year. Increased individual match-play, adherence to coaching plans and increasing fitness need to be the aim of all senior players; while overall we need to continue the themes of increased participation in all the competitions and building the base of accessible tennis at station level. I would also like to see an emphasis on supporting both Halton Tennis Club in their involved in disabled sport and our own involvement with supporting tennis for injured Service personnel at Headley Court.

Finally, mindful of all the operational commitments and significant changes taking place in the RAF currently, I hope you all have the time to practice, play and win this coming season.

AVM Mozumder