14 July 2021

Tennis-A-Thon For A Good Cause

Kieren Buxton

Local Tennis Leagues has really helped me fall back in love with tennis, playing competitive matches in a fun, relaxed, environment, being able to schedule matches around my work and personal life. I have met so many great people through both the singles and doubles leagues, and it helped me to improve my game too, due to the refreshed outlook on the game.

 

I started playing tennis competitively when I was 12, with my only experiences before that on court, was having a hit with my dad in the park. I got into tennis through watching players on TV at Wimbledon, in particular Andy Murray, Tim Henman, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and learning how to play the game through observing and copying against the wall in the dining room. I started playing competitively through the LTA as it was a sport I began to love and enjoy, getting a real passion for it.

I joined Local Tennis Leagues in 2018, after a spell away from the court due to time (becoming a first time father and gaining a promotion at work), and not enjoying playing competitively as much due to a few negative competitive experiences in a short space of time. I only played 2 matches in my first round, due to my father passing away, but 3 rounds later, I decided to give it another go. What a great decision that was!

Local Tennis Leagues has really helped me fall back in love with tennis, playing competitive matches in a fun, relaxed, environment, being able to schedule matches around my work and personal life. I have met so many great people through both the singles and doubles leagues, and it helped me to improve my game too, due to the refreshed outlook on the game.

On Saturday 17th July 2021, from 6am-10pm at Eaton Park, Norwich (Court 1), I will be taking on a tennis-a-thon challenge, where I will be playing on court for 16 hours straight, except for food, drink and toilet breaks. 100% of funds I raise will be going towards the charity, Dementia UK. I am taking on this challenge as Dementia is something that is close to my heart. When my father passed away in July 2018, he suffered with both Pancreatic Cancer and Vascular Dementia. Even though this only occurred for a relatively short space of time, it was very difficult for my family and I, so when I saw the opportunity to get involved with this challenge, I couldn't resist.

My heart goes out to those who are dealing with this long term. I have set myself a target to raise £500 for Dementia UK. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here. The money will all go towards Dementia UK, in particular towards their amazing dementia specialist admiral nurses.

I would really encourage anyone thinking of playing tennis, no matter what level you're at, to get involved with Local Tennis Leagues. It's fun, competitive (at the right standard for you) and flexible to suit your personal and working life. After playing tennis competitively for 10+ years, I would say that joining LTL was one of the best decisions I have made on my tennis journey.

 

Are you ready for competitive matches? Find your Local League here.