Guernsey tennis needs own development officer

REASONS to be cheerful:

Heather Watson is shaping up as a potential international star in the making, young Patrick Ogier, the newly-crowned CI men's champion, is the best young male player Guernsey has produced and the even-younger Dominic McLuskey is not far behind him. Add to them exciting imports such as Pieter Theron, Chris Hickling and Neil de Kock and the thought of the Sarnians dominating inter-insular tennis for years to com and, you could be excused for concluding that Guernsey tennis is tickety-boo and without a care.

Jo Robinson, the island's undisputed number-one woman player for more than 20 years, is as excited as anyone at the extent of the emerging young talent.

She says the time is ripe for the governing bodies of the game to take full advantage and make significant changes in terms of development.

A dedicated development officer for Guernsey alone is high on her wish list.

She points to the fact that the CI development officer Hugh Raymond is based in Jersey, as is the county coach, Rebecca Edwards.

Guernsey's 'exceptional' crop of 13- to 18-year-olds deserve more than that, she argues.

But raising standards and the public and media profile of tennis is more than just about the need for a development officer.

'For starters, the path to performance at every level should be much clearer,' said Robinson.

'We are fortunate that despite a cutback on competition and coaching in schools, there is still a great interest in the game, with many youngsters wanting to play.

'Once attracted to the game, whether within the club, island or county, the progression should be much clearer.

'This involves more information for parents regarding the long-term development of a player; parents need to understand that tennis is a ''technical'' game requiring a lot of practice. It is of course fine to play once a week as many of our youngsters do, but then progression to county level or beyond is not realistic. This is a much more competitive game than some.'

Then, she says, 'there needs to be more competitive opportunities for our juniors'.

'Regular match play at all levels and ages and in particular at improver level is vital in the development of our players. I would like to see a junior version of the Fletcher Sports inter-club leagues as team tennis is a great way of involving more players.'

Then there is the question of support for our most talented and committed players, including our older juniors up to age 18.

'It has to be more effective,' she argues.

'Although we would like more performance players, we are extremely excited about the handful that we have in the island and now off island who are rising to the challenge and proving their worth.

'Heather Watson, Nick Thibeault, Rob West, Patrick Ogier and Dominic McLuskey are all exceptionally talented and lucky enough to have supportive parents.

'All have benefited from training and coaching at academies in the UK, Spain and the USA to date, but largely at their own expense.

'I would like to see the LTA fund or help find sponsors for players showing this commitment and undoubted talent to train at these academies more regularly.'

Guernsey is hugely lucky to have these players paving the way in a massively competitive sport, says Robinson, arguing that with good leadership and a bigger team effort (more volunteers), the Guernsey tennis scene could become proactive rather than reactive.

'It has become a common misconception that because the CILTA has a number of paid officers and our coaches are professionals, there is no need for any volunteers.

'Nothing could be further from the truth; there are too few people doing too many jobs.

'There are committee people, tournament organisers and support people needed for many events with the right leadership and more volunteers. The rewards would be an increase in the number and quality of events. Now is the time for Guernsey people/parents/players etc. to give their bit back to the sport.'

More qualified coaches based in Guernsey are also needed.

'Due to local housing licensing problems, it is difficult to attract and retain coaches from outside the island and as such this also becomes a limiting factor in the growth of our sport.

'There are, for example, currently no coaches with the time to take juniors to competitions in the UK or elsewhere. Given the current restrictions on housing, more should be done to encourage tennis coaching as a career for local sports people.'

Robinson adds that sponsorship deals for funding a specifically local development plan would also help.

'Much of the funding from the CILTA is ring-fenced for events and initiatives prescribed to all English counties from the national head office. This is fine to a point but somewhat stifles creative thinking and the funding of local solutions to local development issues.

'Overall, I believe there is a lot more happening in the game than people are aware and we are fortunate to be involved in such a great sport. Tennis is truly a game for life.

'The most imminent positives happening in our sport include firstly the arrival of Pieter Theron in Guernsey.

'Pieter, a South African player and coach at the highest level, will be a valuable addition to the Guernsey programme, albeit only on a part-time basis as his main job is in the finance industry.

'Secondly, tennis as part of the Guernsey Youth Games next year will be a fantastic way to introduce some new youngsters to our game, as well as providing a great opportunity for clubs, volunteers and coaches to work together.

'This could kick-start a great team effort in Guernsey tennis.

'The Guernsey sub-committee of the CILTA, with more help, has to become a bigger force in Guernsey tennis and that is down to all players, parents, clubs and coaches taking more responsibility for our island programme.'