Budding Bicester tennis stars take home gold

Bicester Lawn Tennis Club (BLTC) scooped awards in each category of the Tennis Oxfordshire Junior Awards, the only club to do so.

At the awards ceremony earlier this month at Abingdon and Witney College, the tennis club was presented with top accolades, which recognised outstanding sporting talent.

Esme Paddick 12, won gold in the Club Coach's Player (girl) category.

She is deaf, and the judges recognised her 'passion, talent and determination and her mentality of 'nothing is impossible.

Callum West,14, won gold in the Club Coach's Player (boy) category for 'an unwavering commitment to developing his own ability' while working hard to help others.

Callum supports the coaching team with weekend sessions, provides demonstrations at open days and helps with summer camps.

Nine-year-old Lucy Willoughby won gold in the Most Improved Junior Player (girl) category.

Judges said she had a backhand that 'outstrips most of the BLTC senior players' and was the club's 'pocket rocket'.

They also recognised her 'incredible commitment and natural flair, alongside her ability to compete way above her age group.'

Ronan Goss, who only picked up a racket 18 months ago,

took gold in the Most Improved Junior Player (boy) award.

Judges said he had quickly risen up the ranks to be one of the best players in his own age group.

Bianca Pallatt, head coach at Bicester Lawn Tennis Club, said: “As the only club in the county taking home gold awards in each category, I’m so proud of Esme, Callum, Lucy and Ronan.

"With a shortlist of more than 50 entries, each player clearly demonstrated their passion, enthusiasm, commitment and talent to the judges.

“The results not only showcase individual performance, but also demonstrate BLTC as one of the county’s leading clubs.”

The club in in Garth Park has three floodlit all-weather courts, private parking and a fully-fitted clubhouse.

For more information visit bicestertennisclub.co.uk