East Kent - Compete launches
Infinity Tennis is being proudly nominated for their exceptional work in creating East Kent – Compete, an initiative that has revolutionised competition opportunities for countless young players across the region. This programme emerged as a direct response to feedback from parents gathered through surveys, where a recurring concern was the lack of local competition options.
Gavid, recognising this challenge, explained that the difficulty lay in securing sufficient court time at busy clubs and the resources needed to organise additional tournaments. To address this, he collaborated with Nick Wibberley of Canterbury Tennis Club, who manages a well-established competition programme that often had spaces available. Together, Infinity Tennis and Canterbury pooled their resources to develop a cohesive competition schedule, providing significant benefits to players from both clubs.
What sets this programme apart is its inclusivity and accessibility. WhatsApp community groups were created for each age group and ball colour, rapidly growing to over 200 active members. Through these groups, parents receive notifications of upcoming events, making it easy to register their children—a perfect solution for busy families.
The results have been outstanding. Young players are more enthusiastic than ever, with many, including a ten-year-old participant, eagerly anticipating each new event. This excitement is mirrored by other parents and players from both Infinity Tennis and Canterbury, with competitions drawing positive feedback from all involved.
Moreover, the programme is fostering growth among the coaching staff. Jack, one of Infinity's coaches, has recently qualified as a referee and is already organising tournaments, while Gavid is working to support more coaches in obtaining similar qualifications. This forward-thinking approach promises to create even more opportunities for young players in the future.
This innovative collaboration between Infinity Tennis and Canterbury Tennis Club has truly transformed the competitive landscape for junior players, offering them the chance to develop, compete, and enjoy tennis like never before. The success of East Kent – Compete stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful planning and teamwork.