Burnham-On-Sea’s Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy is moving home and is now based at King Alfred Sports Centre.
The decision follows several meetings between the Academy’s committee and the Avenue Tennis Club to resolve various issues.
The Academy’s Sally Edwards told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “There were certain conditions which the tennis club wished us to adhere to which we thought were unacceptable.”
“We sought to resolve this, but the alternatives offered were felt to be incompatible with the spirit and aims of the academy, so it was decided that the best outcome for everyone involved was for the Academy to move on.”
“We couldn’t be happier with the response from Tim Fisher, the Sports Centre Manager, and I had a meeting with Tim and the Academy’s coaches, Jamie Allen and Greg Kyd and we discussed all the implications and possibilities of the Academy being there.”
“Tim saw many benefits in having us there and really understood what we are trying to do. Nathan was a pupil at King Alfred School, so it seems a most appropriate venue for his Academy. Now we need to look ahead and focus on developing the academy and raising funds for the future success of the children.”
Tim Fisher added: “Somerset Leisure Limited is very excited that the Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy is going to have its home at King Alfred Sports Centre in Highbridge.”
“Somerset Leisure Limited is committed to the development of sports in the community and this is a perfect opportunity to help provide a clear pathway from grass roots to national standard for young tennis players at King Alfred School and beyond.”
“The work that Avenue Tennis Club and the Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy do for their sport in this area is second to none and we at King Alfred Sports Centre will strive to support and help the Academy wherever we can.”
“The Sports Centre has full support from Dr Diffey, Head Teacher, and JP Hoskins, Assistant Head Teacher, as Nathan was a pupil at their School and they too are very excited about this new partnership.”
Meanwhile, will be a sponsored cycle ride for the academy along the beach on 1st November at 11.30am from Maddocks Slade to the Berrow Inn and back.
Fancy dress is encouraged and anyone wishing to take part can obtain a sponsor from King Alfred Sport Centre’s reception or contact Joe Montgomery on 07990851018.
Anyone willing to sponsor a rider or just make a donation can also do this through the sports centre (01278 786868) or by contacting Joe. Also, the Ginger Hitlas will be doing a gig for the academy on a date to be confirmed in November.
Pictured are (top) back row Alison Peake (parent), Joe Montgomery (Nathan’s dad), Jamie Allen (coach), Rhianon Parsons (helper), Greg Kyd (coach), Maria Punt (Parent) and Tim Fisher (KA Sport Centre Manager) plus middle gropup: Abigail Peake, Courtney Parsons, Oliver Punt, Alice Davies; and front Callum Hill, Thomas Punt and Jamie Clancy. Also pictured are (centre) Rhianon Parsons, Jamie Allen (coach), Tim Fisher (KA Sport Centre manager), Greg Kyd (coach), Sally Edwards (Nathan’s mum and now Academy chairman).
