​Tennis success as Ellesmere College students tread road to Wimbledon

Tennis is stronger than ever at a Shropshire school thanks to a blossoming reputation, state-of-the-art facilities and the Emma Raducanu effect.

Ellesmere College currently has its biggest number of high level players and is putting on more tournaments than ever before in the history of the school.

The Tennis Academy showcases players on a national level - many of whom are aiming for Wimbledon and becoming professional players after they finish their studies.

In recent competitions 10 students were crowned winners in their categories. Sofie Glinos became the under 12 singles champion in Herefordshire,Tom Parr is the under 14 singles champion in Shropshire as well as being named Shropshire improver of the year, Jemimah Choi was crowned the under 16 and ladies singles champion and under 18 and ladies double champion in Wales, and Emily Males and Skye Thomas became the under 11 singles champions in Shropshire and Cheshire respectively.

In addition Guy Welti became the under 16 doubles champion in Shropshire, Alfie Edwards became the under 11 champion and under 12 champion for singles and doubles in Shropshire, Jacob Popplewell won the Cheshire under 16 doubles, Aditi Chezhian was named the under 18 and ladies doubles champion in Wales and Owen Critchell and Jemimah Choi became the under 18 mixed doubles champions in Wales.

Stephen Welti, Director of Tennis at Ellesmere College, said: “This year we have seen an increase in the number of people playing at a much higher level. Rather than one or two outstanding players, we have got a whole squad of them. It is better than we have ever had and it is fantastic to watch.nAs a developing sport in the school we have just climbed a big step and many students are showing incredible dedication, improvement and talent in their tennis.”

Four years ago Ellesmere College opened its state-of-the-art indoor tennis centre which has four courts - more than most other schools in the country - and it means they are able to train every day, whatever the weather. 

It also allows the school to put on tournaments every weekend so players get the opportunity to compete against others - there will be 54 tournaments held there between September and March.

“The tennis we are seeing at the moment is fantastic,” Mr Welti added. “The tournaments are of huge benefit to our players and these are tournaments at all grades, including high level tournaments sanctioned by the LTA.

“The impact of the improved facilities and the success we’ve had has been very clear, we are seeing parents and pupils calling the school asking to join now specifically for the Tennis Academy as our reputation goes up and up. But more than that, even at a lower level, tennis is really enjoying a purple patch. We have seen an increase across the board after Emma Raducanu’s success at the US Open. We coach over 100 students every week and are attracting new players all the time.”

For more information on the Tennis Academy at Ellesmere College, please visit https://www.ellesmere.com/the-schools/all/clubs-an....