The first major tournament of 2014 is the Albany Nedgroup Junior Open which, this year, will be held over two weekends – Friday to Sunday (28- 30) March and 4–6 April. Sponsored by Nedgroup Investments (Isle of Man) Limited for many years this is a Grade 4 event and open to non-members and players from other clubs will be made very welcome. The events are Mini Tennis 8 and under (red ball) mixed singles, 9 and under (orange ball) boys singles and girls singles and 10 and under mixed singles plus 12 and under and 18 under mixed singles. Entry is by e-mail – ianwatsonpts@manx.net; by post to the Secretary, Ballabreck, South Cape, Laxey or place your entry form and chq. Payable to Albany LTC in the white post box at the clubroom. Entries close at 5pm on Saturday 22nd March. PLEASE enter early it will make organising the timetable and booking courts so much easier if we have an idea of entry numbers. Finals Day is Sunday 6 April with prize presentation and tea at approximately 4pm. There will also be a raffle as part of the juniors fund raising programme. Entry forms will be in the club house.
Talking of fund raising, we have a lot to do this year if we are to have the outdoor courts re-surfaced as costs have increased considerably. The Committee are looking for individuals or groups to organise an event. In the early 1990s, when we were fund raising for the indoor court our juniors (with parents) raised an amazing ?8,000 which was a lot of money in those days. If you can help run a one day tournament, sponsored walk/tennis please let the club secretary know – e-mail albanytennispr@manx.net. If this is not your forte than maybe you would like to make a donation.
Some members are starting up a club morning on Wednesdays from 10am, starting next week 5 March This is planned as a mixed session and you just turn up. These will be outdoor sessions only.
This weekend the IOMLTA Boys 18 and under team will be playing Inter County matches at Sunderland. The club is pleased to say that the squad players – Ronan McDonnell, Sean Drewry, Adam Pyatt-Coppell, Calvin Smith, Sasha Thomas, Will Broadhead and Max Walker are all Albany members. Good Luck boys.
We still have some chairs left for sale at ?5 each. Ideal for a playroom, garage or sports clubroom. Contact 861497 for details.
