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Aidan Robson set his sights on gaining experience and hopefully winning a few matches after entering a series of summer tennis tournaments. He has made a terrific start having won his first event at the Bitts Park Open in Carlisle.

Head Coach Ian Wilkinson has coached Aidan a member of Greenfield Tennis Club, Newton Aycliffe for 5 years. Aidan is studying for a Sports Coaching degree at Leeds Met. Carnegie University and has enjoyed his first year, representing the University’s tennis team.

Aidan is also a member of Bishop Auckland Tennis Club and is helping develop local tennis talent as a Level 2 Coach.

(Courtesy of Newton News-June 2010)

Greenfield Tennis Club's Latest Milestone

It has taken Greenfield Tennis just 9 Years to reach the latest milestone when it celebrated its 30 000th visitor. Assistant Coach, Joe Haines to commemorate the achievement, presented Carl Cox a student at St Joseph’s Junior School in Newton Aycliffe with a tennis racket.

Greenfield Tennis offers a full programme of activity throughout the summer including Mini Tennis for Under 10’s, Squad Coaching for improving players and an Adult Club offering Social Tennis and Competitive Tennis in Local League.

Courts at the Greenfield Tennis Facility are also available to book and at weekends. Club Membership starts at £12 for Juniors and £30 for Adults. Members can access the courts without any charges. Student and Family Membership is also available.

(Courtesy of Newton News-June 2010)

The next generation of tennis stars are playing on Tuesdays (6.30) and Saturdays (10.00) at Greenfield Tennis Club. Youngsters aged between 3 and 10 years of age are having fun and learning the skills ready to take on the challenge of playing at a higher level. Already a number of players have participated in Mini Tennis Tournaments and represented schools in the Tony Blair Sports Foundation Competition.

A committed team of tennis coaches are developing the players under the guidance of Head Coach, Ian Wilkinson.

The weekly sessions continue until mid July followed by a 3 day Tennis Camp to round off the summer series.

(Courtesy of Newton News - June 2010)

Teenage Tennis Talent Tipped For Big Future

A NORTHEAST coach has tipped his teenage tennis prodigy for the top after he recorded his first tournament triumph. Ian Wilkinson believes Bishop Auckland’s Aidan Robson’s first victory in a ranking competition bodes well for his charge’s future in the game. Robson served and volleyed his way to a surprising win at the Bitts Park Open in Carlisle after beating some formidable opponents along the way.

The 18-year-old entered the event because he felt he needed to gain some valuable experience at tournament level. But, to his surprise he ended up winning it. The victory provided the talented teenager a timely boost in confidence.

But, Robson was brought back down to earth in the next event he entered. Drawn against one of the top seeds in Newcastle he crashed out in the first round of the tournament. But that defeat has only proved to be a minor a set back for the promising player who is determined to pass on advice to some of the Northeast’s burgeoning players. Robson is a Level 2 coach and teaches at Greenfield Tennis Club, Newton Aycliffe and he also helps out at other local authorities in the area.

After having his tonsils removed recently he will be out of action for a few weeks but hopes to return to coaching shortly. Wilkinson, head coach at Greenfield, has overseen Robson’s rise over the past five years and believes he has what it takes to become one of the nation’s top trainers.

He said: “To be a good coach, you have to be a good player. The better the player he is, the more respect he will earn as a coach. “Aidan has the ability to go all the way to the top as a player, never mind a coach, but it is great to know the future of British tennis could one day rest in his hands.”

Robson plays for the Men’s third team at Leeds Metropolitan University, which has National LTA Accredited High Performance Centre. He is studying for a Sports Coaching degree and aspires to be in the second team next year and could soon be torn between playing and coaching professionally.

Robson is also a member of Bishop Auckland Tennis Club, and is helping to develop players in his hometown.

By Michael Lightfoot (Courtesy of Local Heroes, Northern Echo - July 2010)

Greenfield Tennis Is Celebrating 10 Years Of Service.

Greenfield Tennis opened its gates in 2001, initially playing on the school playground in Greenfield School and then in July enjoyed to a new floodlit tennis facility nearby.

The tennis programme has been incredibly successful welcoming over 30 000 visitors of all ages and abilities to its programme.

Greenfield Tennis Club is now well established offering Club Nights on Mondays and Wednesdays. The Junior Coaching Programme offers an exciting and fun opportunity for players to learn the sport in a safe environment from LTA Qualified Coaches.

The local community are invited to use the facility on a Pay and Play basis.

Head Coach Ian Wilkinson says, ‘ the town is very fortunate to have an excellent facility to learn and play an exciting sport at all levels of abilities. It has been tremendous to see families enjoy playing together.’

There have been many highlights including being invited to demonstrate tennis at the launch of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation, welcoming students from Japan and coaches from USA. The coaching staff includes Katie and Joe Haines (Level 1) and Aidan Robson (Level 2,) have all been developed through commitment to the tennis programme from an early age.

(Courtesy of Newton News - May 2011)

Tennis Club Rise To Latest Challenge

After playing for a couple of seasons in the Darlington and District League, a decision was made to accept a greater challenge and enter the more competitive Cleveland League. The Greenfield TC Men’s Team have been accepted in Group 6. The Club has a strong squad of players including experienced players and juniors.

Head Coach Ian Wilkinson says, "It is fantastic to see commitment from a squad of players, many who have played in successful school teams and are now able to compete a higher level."

The Club have got off to an incredible start and have won their first 3 matches.

Team Captain John Snowball is delighted with results so far and the attitude of his players. John says, "the challenge of playing matches each week has not only improved the standard of Team Tennis but Club Nights also. The aim is be promoted each year into a higher level of play and so far the plan is working."

Results: Hutton Rudby: Won 9-0, Tennis World: Won 5.5-3.5 and Yarm: Won 6-3

Courtesy of Newton News - May 2011

Town Tennis Coach has Moved in High Circles

I love music. I was asked recently if I could play the guitar or any musical instrument. To my amazement I have never tried seriously to play any instrument. I now wonder if I could have been any good if I had played guitar or drums.

Fortunately I did commit to learning how to play and coach tennis from an early age. In 1983 I was offered a coaching position at Bjorn Borg Tennis School in Marbella, Spain.

Cooking Sir Bruce Forsyth a breakfast was helpful as he introduced his wife Wilnelia a former Miss World, and keen tennis player. I became a culinary advisor for Sir Sean Connery who was forever seeking good and cheap places to eat. He allowed the owner to take his picture if he could eat free.

I was kidnapped by Liverpool footballers and released at a local beach bar where the team was preparing for a tournament in Estapona. Alan Kennedy became a great friend and is Godfather to my son Adam. I remember consoling a boy who had asked Sting for an autograph which he declined. More recently I was able to persuade Sting to sign a book Gordon Sumner, possibly a unique event.

I am proud of my commitment to developing tennis opportunities and facilities over almost

40 years. I have been on court with celebrities, Wimbledon Champions and Tour Professionals but equally I can relate many stories about the young players who have never played tennis before, or players who try and fail to hit the ball many times.

Perhaps not trying to play a musical instrument proved a good decision after all. Why not give tennis a try?

Courtesy of Newton News - June 2011

GAMP Supports Greenfield Tennis

Greenfield Tennis Club have benefited from the support of the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Area Action Partnership in promoting the programme of activities for young tennis players this summer.

Funding from GAMP allowed the Greenfield School student, Joe Haines to become a Level 1 coach. Joe started playing tennis at age 6 when the tennis facility was opened 10 years ago. He now plays for the Men’s Team and is an Assistant Coach helping the Mini Tennis Squads.

GAMP is also supporting the Mini Roos Mini Tennis Camp during the school holidays. The coaches, Katie and Joe Haines (Level 1) and Aidan Robson (Level 2) have all developed into excellent coaches after participating in Greenfield Tennis Squads in recent years. Head Coach, Ian Wilkinson has been the mentor of all three coaches. Ian says, "It has been a pleasure to see young people commit to developing their own talents and also be prepared to help others.

The camp is the only time in the year we all four work together and it’s a laugh a minute as we bounce ideas off each other. We are all very grateful for the support of GAMP this summer."

The Mini Roos Camp takes place from Monday 25th to 27th July.