Tennis Day Fun for Kids Who Couldn’t Go to School

Children who couldn’t go to school due to the teacher’s strike yesterday got the chance to have a fun day of tennis with Tom Scott, Head Coach at Henley Tennis Club.

Last week, Tom who runs My Sports Pro saw the story on the BBC that the teachers might strike so on Monday this week he posted on the Henley Parents Facebook asking if parents would like some childcare if the strike went ahead and he would give his time for free and give the money to a children’s charity.

18 children aged from 5 to 10 learnt tennis skills and enjoyed fun games.  Tom said, “The strike only got confirmed on Tuesday.  I thought that parents would need some help and I had a gap in my diary.  10 of the children hadn’t had any tennis coaching before and I provided racquets for the children who didn’t have one.  It has been such a rewarding day beyond what I imagined! All the children today were on top form even those who joined for the first time trying a different sport and succeeding on so many levels.”

Felix, aged 8 said, “The best thing about tennis is hitting the ball with the racquet.  We’ve just had some yummy hot chocolate to keep us warm.”

One parent afterwards said, “Tom a very big thanks for the session today, it was very kind of you. Thank you so much for today. I don’t know what I would have done without this session and the boys loved it. Such a great idea.”

Our Editor Michaela, has put Tom in touch with Henley Mayor, Councillor Michelle Thomas who this year is fundraising for local school children who need some catch-up learning because of Covid to make a donation to from the day.