What a fantastic launch to a brilliant concept!
That was the comment made by one of the crowd of more than 100 at the launch event of Advantage GB Tennis, on Saturday 24th Jan 2009. It was held at the fantastic indoor facilities at the Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, part of the University of Bristol, and our thanks go to Simon Hinks, Deputy Director for Sport, Peter Bendall and Ande Mulligan for hosting the event.
Emily Webley-Smith, the Bristol based player rapidly climbing up the world ranking, and GB's current #8 (an ambassador for Advantage GB Tennis) and Olivia Scarfi, Wales #1 were there to not only promote the launch of the website, but also entertain the audience. Emily, with the help of Coombe Dingle coaches, Martyn Bray, Ilona Jones and Ali Blackett gave a magnificent demonstration of high class skills and then spent over an hour and half playing Pro-AM style with 10 lucky draw winners as well as many juniors from Coombe Dingle itself.
Rob Thomas MD for Advantage GB Tennis said:
"They were truly motivational. It's not every day a junior gets to play with a top 10 ranked Professional, and Emily looked like she loved every minute of it. The kids will remember the event for years to come, and maybe today we have helped inspire the Great British tennis stars of the future... and that's what it's all about".
Martyn, Olivia & Emily with just some of the juniors who had a fantastic timeThe BBC cameras were there, as was BC
fm and the local press to help publicise what is a truly unique concept. An online fan club that allows real tennis fans to feel part of their favourite players success, by providing moral, emotional and physical support and by being kept up to date with progress on a weekly basis. Each week members get a direct email from their favourite player telling them what they've been up to, how they are feeling, what's going to happen the following week - bringing their journey to success alive!
You can view more photographs of the day by visiting the public gallery, and to see more extensive pictures of
Emily in action, members can click here. If you are not a member already, for less that £1 per week you can have access to everything as described in the panel on the right.