Page 36 - QARANC Vol 14 No 11 2015

34 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Army Tennis Tour 2015: La Manga
This year I had the privilege of taking part in the Army Tennis Training Camp in La Manga. This is an annual event, which is now in it’s third successful year and is the only sporting event where you have both the Army Men’s and Ladies Regulars and Vets on tour together. A great combination of young and old, speed and experience! La Manga is one of the most prestigious tennis centres’ in the world and as a new player who only started playing tennis in May last year I jumped at this amazing opportunity, as usually the tour is reserved for Army A & B team and Corps players only.
This year a total of 40 players attended represented across all cap badges. Each day the players were divided up depending on ability and then we were put through our paces by the two excellent coaches Alan and Austin. Four hours of intensive coaching working through all types of drills and then as the week progressed working on singles and doubles tactics. At the end of each coaching session we ended with a bit of competitive fun between the red and blue team in a knock out competition and was the chance to put into practice all the drills you had learnt that day.
Unfortunately, the weather had taken a turn from the usual gorgeous sun and it was pretty windy which I soon found out was not a valid excuse for playing badly. However, we were lucky and managed to avoid any rain so we did not miss out on any tennis. Many of the players would continue with matches and play after the coaching sessions and I found everybody incredibly friendly and keen to help me learn. The strongest players would often offer up their time to practice rallying, serving and volleying with me and for this showed great leadership and team spirit.
Back row - Left to right Lt Col Grieves (QARANC), Lt Col (Retd) Greenwood (QARANC), Maj Wellborn (RADC), Cpl Grieg (AMS BAND). Front row - Left to right: Lt Chandi (RAMC), Cpl Parkinson (QARANC), Cpl Ligale (QARANC).
I would like to show my appreciation and thank the QARANC association for the money, which helped fund the trip. The other nurses and I are extremely grateful and once again I am extremely grateful for being afforded the opportunity to attend the Army Tennis Tour.
Cpl H Parkinson
Budding tennis
stars wanted
For all those budding tennis players out there, Army Tennis is always looking for new players of any standard.
There are many opportunities to play tennis throughout the year, in the winter at the Army Indoor and summer Army Tennis Championships.
Have the privilege of representing your Corps at weekly League matches or ultimately the Army in the Inter-Services
A/B Championships played at the exclusive All England Lawn Tennis Club – Wimbledon.
If you wish to find out more please visit the
Army tennis website at the following
address for more information www.armytennis.org