Ellesmere College has been ranked second in the UK for tennis after success at a National School Finals event in Nottingham.
The senior team narrowly missed out on being named the best in the UK over the two day tournament.
Gwen, Tabitha, VV, Amani and Kathrina are aged between 13 and 16 years old and beat the top team from the North and the top team from the South west regional areas as part of the finals.
Stephen Welti, Director of Tennis at Ellesmere College, said it was an extraordinary achievement, especially considering the young age of the team.
He said: “It is a huge thrill to be able to say Ellesmere College is second in the UK for tennis.
“What an incredible achievement for our senior team and thoroughly deserved after their dedication and practice in the tennis centre, listening to coaches and putting into action any feedback to improve – it is certainly paying off!
“But it’s not just them, this is just the latest in a number of other fantastic events and results we have had at the Tennis Academy at Ellesmere throughout not only this school term, but the whole year.
“This success reflects not only their talent but also their dedication and teamwork. We are immensely proud of every player who represented Ellesmere College with such distinction.
“Congratulations to all involved – the future of Ellesmere Tennis looks brighter than ever!”
Throughout the year the senior girls’ team of Gwen, Tabitha, Amani, and Kathrina, who are in school years nine to 11, won the Shropshire LTA Schools event to qualify for the regional event, won the Regional Schools Tennis Finals to be the top team in the Midlands and qualifying for the National Finals.
In addition the younger squad, in school years seven to nine, finished third in their regional finals and were placed in the top 12 nationally.
“Both as individuals and teams, these plays have delivered exceptional performances throughout the competition,” Mr Welti added.
“From commanding singles victories to a nail-biting shoot-out, the teams have shown resilience, determination, team spirit and skill with brilliant composure at the net, battling with grit and some of the finest tennis of their career.”
Ellesmere College Tennis Academy has a team of LTA qualified coaches who deliver a fully structured programme each week. They aim to nurture individual talent in a safe and supportive environment.
For more information about the Tennis Academy at Ellesmere College visit https://www.ellesmere.com/co-curriucular/sport/sport-academies/tennis-academy.
