Chris Wade from T Bar M Racquet Club in Dallas Texas was previously in Anguilla from 1993-1997 as the tennis pro at Cap Juluca Hotel. He said that there are lots of opportunities for young tennis players from Anguilla but that there is a great need for a tennis facility here.
Bill Riddle who is the Tennis Director at the Blue Grass Yacht and Country Club in Nashville, Tennessee spoke of how he is really enjoying being in Anguilla and working with Mitch and Damien. He explained a scheme whereby tennis players from Europe visit his club and have an exchange visit with his players. He suggested that something similar could be arranged with Anguillian players.
The third coach is Jonathan Collazo from Puerto Rico, who is the Head Tennis Pro at the Dorado del Mar Tennis Club. He says he is really excited to be in Anguilla and assisting with the coaching at the Tennis Academy. He also is interested in an exchange and tournaments with players from Puerto Rico. He too stressed the need for a facility for the players.
Lake described the Academy that has been in existence since 1995 with the objective of developing tennis skills and sportsmanship among young people. Since 1997 coaches have been brought here for the last week of the camp enabling extra coaching for the more talented players.
Each year 150 to 200 children benefit from the camp. However, Mitch and Damien both highlighted the need for a tennis facility on the island with six tennis courts and a centre court for exhibition matches. This would enable them to separate players by age group and ability and give year round facilities for the game. He noted that there are many persons willing to help with the establishment of a facility once land has been designated for it.
Hughes says that the Government has been showing them land where the facility could be built and they are hoping for confirmation of this. He also said that the Tennis Association in Anguilla is to be revived into a functioning body and a meeting of interested persons is to be called soon.
The organizers expressed thanks to the many sponsors who have assisted them over the years and made the Tennis Academy possible.