Former junior member Naomi Broady "served" us a unique West Heaton afternoon in February this year.
Naomi started her tennis at West Heaton at the age of seven. She won our Ladies Singles title at 14 and then, along with brother Liam, went on to become a professional tennis player where she played in many major events including all four Grand Slams. Naomi is now forging a new career as a tennis expert with the BBC.
Naomi ran a sold-out coaching session for our juniors supported by Andy Perry's coaching team which was led by Richard Meadowcroft. This was followed by a packed pavilion for the "Audience" event where she gave a fascinating and humorous insight into her career and recent move into broadcasting, after which she took questions from the audience (including many good ones from the juniors!).
We had a really entertaining afternoon and it was great to be able to reunite Naomi with Diane Wilson, the runner up in their final of 2004. Naomi also brought her former coach Suzi Riley along to help the coaching sessions and she really had the kids on their toes!
The whole event was in aid of President Steve Woosey’s Charity for the year, the Junior Diabetes Research Fund. We raised over £750, including raffle takings of £110 with thanks to Liam for his "money can’t buy" prize donations.
Thanks to everyone who helped make the day happen including Naomi for giving her time so enthusiastically for this excellent cause. Photo credit: Matt McNulty (www.mattmcnultyphoto.com)