A big issue for me as a kid was understanding that sport isn’t all about winning, and believe me, when I was losing the whole world would know about it, but with help from Giorgio, Tina and David I realised winning is simply an added bonus of taking part that you get every so often (some more than others) and they also taught me that you can never be a complete player, or person for that matter if you don’t experience defeat and keep trying regardless. That’s what Hylands is so brilliant at! As well as developing well-rounded players, such as Jack Waldon and the recent WWJ winner Matthew Jupp, it develops well-rounded individuals! That for me is the defining quality of an outstanding club.
Hylands is also the reason I’m studying what I am. They provided the opportunity to get involved in coaching via the tennis leader scheme, and as soon as I started I got hooked on making people smile through tennis. That’s a big reason as to why I want to be a full-time tennis coach after I graduate. I understand it’s not going to be easy getting there, but what’s so unbelievably reassuring is I know I’ve got a whole community of people behind me in Hylands willing to help support me where they can and they’d do the exact same for you! You lucky devils!
On another note, I’ve got my first match playing for the uni team this Wednesday against Keele, which goes to show if you put in the effort you’ll be given a chance to shine eventually. I’m incredibly nervous but looking forward to the experience immensely! Wish me luck! Lets hope, win or lose, my opponent at the end of the match will say they thoroughly enjoyed playing me and vice versa. :D
I may write another blog at some point but until then go out there and enjoy yourselves!!!
