A Year of Growth, Grit & Community
Northamptonshire—what a year. From frost-tipped morning hits to sunset match points, courts across the county were alive with effort, laughter, and firsts. New players picked up a racket, juniors lifted trophies, and clubs pulled together to make brilliant things happen. That’s the heartbeat of our sport—and it’s beating stronger than ever.
Tennis-Times celebrates stories from many clubs—our community “islands.”
Below we’re sharing one such island: Kettering Tennis Club’s 2025 snapshot, based on results and updates we received this year. If your club has news you’d like us to highlight, send it in and we’ll share more islands next time.By the Numbers (Kettering)
117 juniors playing regularly (up from 51 in 2023 and 98 in 2024)
700+ private-coaching hours delivered
1,000+ group sessions run
More people moving, learning, and enjoying tennis—on court and in the community.
2025 at a Glance
From the heat of the Australian Open to the clay of Rome and Roland-Garros, through the drama of Wimbledon and into the electric nights of the US Open, this season had it all: new winners, brave comebacks, and doubles stories that made us cheer. Off court, tennis did what it does best—supporting fitness, mindset, and connection.
County Highlights (micro-stories we received)
Club French Open @ Northampton LTC: 94 entries • 474 matches • 74 sudden-death points. Dorina claimed a third club Slam; special mentions to Sofia Murphy (first title), David Oslizlok (Red & Orange finals), and Allegra Grace for a superb campaign.
Dallington Junior Open: 100+ juniors, five days of fair play and fun.
Play Your Way to Wimbledon: Jack, Mia, Connor, William, Katie, Freya, Frankie & Maely reached national-final stages—dreams unlocked.
County Week: Women promoted; Men held Group 1 after a nail-biter.
County Closed: Champions across U8–Adults; Kevin Hoey Award to Olivia Samoila.
Facilities & Access
Investment secured for new court surfaces, seating, and pavilion refresh at Kettering TC.
Swanspool Gardens upgrades highlighted wheelchair tennis with Gary Cox—access in action.
Easter camps: 400+ children took part across the county—new friends, new habits, new confidence.
Special Thanks
To everyone who picked up a racket—thank you. First rallies, personal bests, volunteers, supporters: you made 2025 special.
Kettering juniors: your hard work and consistency turned into trophies, finals and big steps forward. Special mentions to Allegra, Sofia and David, and to every child who trained, learned and lifted others.
Chris Brigstock: thank you for funding an external court space at Kettering TC—more access, more tennis.
Chris Todd (Chairman) & Northampton Tennis Coaching: your support and high-quality sessions raised standards and smiles across all ages.
With Thanks
Northampton Tennis Coaching – for growing the game county-wide and delivering high-quality sessions all year.
Laura Mineards – for organising County Closed and coaching tirelessly throughout the year.
Justin Chacksfield – for consistent, hands-on support of local tennis.
Clubs & providers – Duston, Northampton Lawn, Northampton County, Kettering, Dallington and more: we appreciate every coach, organiser, volunteer, and partner. Send us your highlights—we’d love to feature them.
Coach’s Corner: 5 Easy Wins
Arrive 10 minutes early: light jog, side-steps, arm circles.
Sip water every change of ends.
Pick one focus (e.g., early racquet prep) for the whole session.
Two stretches after play—calves & hips (30–45s each).
Write one note you’ll use next time.
Why Tennis Helps Body & Mind
For adults: Natural intervals boost heart health; footwork builds leg/core strength and balance; focused points reset the mind; leagues and socials grow friendships.
For children: Better coordination and agility; confidence from scoring and trying again; a positive routine with friends; improved focus and self-management that carries into school.
Share & Grow Northamptonshire Tennis
We want the full picture of tennis life across our Tennis-Times islands—big wins, small wins, funny rallies, first tournaments, volunteer heroes.
Please share this article with your club groups and socials to help more people discover tennis and keep the life of the sport thriving.
Send your stories to tennistimesmatters@gmail.com or tag @tennistimesofficial (IG), @mrtennistimes (TikTok), @tennis-times (FB). We’ll feature the best in our next issue.
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Because every Tennis Time matters.
See you on court. — The Tennis-Times Team
