Female Tennis Players from Devon Inspired by Judy Murray in the run up to Wimbledon

Budding Johanna Konta’s and Heather Watson’s from all over Devon were able to play under the experienced eye of former Fed Cup Captain and Mum to the World’s No.1 Andy Murray as they attended a She Rallies’ event in Bristol to compete in a fun competition..

Judy Murray visited the South west on Friday as part of the ‘She Rallies’ Programme, in a Bid to Get More Girls Playing, and More Women Coaching Tennis. The mornings focus was to grow the female workforce and over 40 coaches, teachers, mums and volunteers attended the training day and trained as activators in Lil Miss-Hits and Teen Girls Starter Tennis. These activators will now go back to their local areas to deliver sessions in community groups.

The afternoon was a celebration of girls playing tennis and a fun and social event was set up to enable girls from all over the South West meet and play. The event was full of laughter and they were inspired by Judy and especially keen to gain team photos at the end of the day.

The event was led Laura James, Amanda Stonier and Sarah Rutherford who make up three of the 26 She Rallies ambassadors selected to champion the programme in the South West.

Amanda Stonier, She Rallies ambassador covering the South West region commented: “The energy on court yesterday was amazing and it was so exciting to be able to host such a fantastic day with Judy.

Judy Murray said: “There was such a great buzz on court yesterday and you could tell that every single person there left feeling energised to go back into their communities and help us to keep growing our female tennis army. It’s been so much fun visiting all the ambassadors in their local regions and I can’t wait to see what they get up to next.”

Claire Webb, Programme Manager from the Lawn Tennis Association added: “The She Rallies event at the David Lloyd Club, Bristol was a huge success and it was fantastic to see the enthusiasm of both the ambassadors and activators involved. For all the activators and children involved, Judy’s presence will go a long way to help motivate and inspire people to get involved in the initiative and rally our female troops across the country”.