Teenagers in Shropshire have been running ragged on the court this summer with a raft of tennis successes.
The talented players at Ellesmere College Tennis Academy have been serving and volleying their way towards international recognition.
The notable performances include a world ranked junior, another who beat off some serious competition to win two county championship titles, and a third who qualified to play on the hallowed grass courts of Wimbledon.
Gwen Klu, 15, from Telford, Alfie Edwards, 15 and from Oswestry and Market Drayton based VV Alkureishi, 13, have all impressed this season.
Stephen Welti, Director of Tennis at the Ellesmere College Tennis Academy, said: “It’s been another great year for tennis at the academy and there are many young players who are moving through the system, improving and achieving great things at every opportunity.
“Their dedication, commitment and motivation continue to be an inspiration and while they are following in some huge footsteps of their predecessors, they are forging ahead with some landmark statements of their own.
“Gwen had already achieved so much at the academy but during this season she has taken another huge step by winning matches in an International Tennis Federation event in Ghana. She is now a world-ranked junior and has been asked to join the Ghana national squad.
“It’s an excellent achievement and Gwen is revelling in the experience – she can still only get better, a potential star of the future.
“I must also mention Alfie who did so well to win the Shropshire County under 16 and under 18 Championships over the summer. The competition at county level is always tough and to win a title at two age groups is another great effort on behalf of our tennis academy.
“Alfie needed to dig deep to maintain his focus and intensity and his two titles were well-deserved, another major step on his path of tennis progression.
“Then there is VV who played on the grass courts at Wimbledon having qualified for the Play your way to Wimbledon under 14 championships.
“VV was one match away from the quarter-finals in the girls singles – losing to a player who went on to finish as runner-up in the competition. Another great experience for VV which will stand her in good stead in the future.
“Play Your Way to Wimbledon is Britain’s largest mass participation tennis competition and sees players having a chance to compete on the grass courts at Wimbledon following in the footsteps of the international tennis stars.”
Ellesmere College is highly regarded nationally for its sporting record and its young tennis stars continue to be rated among the best.
For more information about Ellesmere College Tennis Academy visit https://www.ellesmere.com/co-curricular/sport/sport-academies/tennis-academy.
Gwen Klu.
Alfie Edwards.
Gwen Klu.
VV Alkureishi.
