Forres Tennis Club’s teenage players stepped while it was without head coach

Teenagers from a tennis club have been praised for their efforts in coaching other junior players.

Six young players from Forres Tennis Club have been maintaining sessions for children aged five to 17-years-old after the head coach left to take on a new role.

FTC’s outgoing chairwoman, Caroline Derbyshire-Laing, also confirmed, thanks to supportive members and parents, the club has saved money by carrying out maintenance.

She said: “The young coaches must be commended for taking on the Tuesday night sessions for our younger players.

“Our former head coach Joe Hargreaves took on a fantastic opportunity at Moray Sports Centre, leaving big shoes to fill. However, these young coaches rose to the challenge and have done a brilliant job.

“In the absence of a head coach, their sessions kept the young players engaged.”

Adam Rhind, Daniella Lewis, Sophie Howard, Eva Liney, Niamh Smart and Angus Sheldon have been running the Tuesday afternoon and evening sessions.

The team was praised at the club’s recent AGM which saw new chairman, Owen Davidson Knight, elected and new faces joining the committee.

FTC announced on Saturday that Mr Hargreaves has returned to the club and is currently working on next year’s coaching programme.

FTC is starting a fundraising drive, holding various events including a coffee morning at Forres Town Hall in the Spring. It is also seeking external funding to install solar panels on the clubhouse and floodlights for its final two courts.

FTC took part in a number of competitions this year. Six teams were entered into the Galbraith Highland leagues and there was also in-house club championships, Forres 50 Winter Doubles and the newly launched singles competitions - a mixed ladder competition and three divisions of mixed singles box leagues.

The Club also offers free adult beginners’ lessons.

“There have been some great successes this year,” finished Caroline, “which wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of the committee, members and volunteers.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed their time and energy.”