Press Release – Local Tennis Coach Wins An Ace Award

16th January 2015

Christian Allen, the tennis coach at Hutton and Shenfield Tennis Club has won the prestiguous “Development Coach of the Year – 2014” from the Essex Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). He was nominated for his excellent work in the development of young tennis players from Shenfield, Hutton and Brentwood.

Since becoming head coach, Christian has more than doubled the number of children attending lessons and now has over 130 children attending his programmes. He has also expanded his efforts by coaching at five local schools, running local LTA tournaments and is involved in students’ Duke of Edinburgh awards.

On receiving the award, Christian said “I have grown up in this area and have always enjoyed working with the young players. It’s nice to receive this award, but actually it’s much better seeing my students developing into excellent players.”

Chairman of Hutton and Shenfield Tennis Club, Ian Gunn said, “Since appointing Christian to the role of Head Coach, the Junior Section of the club has gone from strength to strength. This award is very well deserved and it truly reflects the amazing job Christian does for our club and the local community.”

Christian also hosts some very successful tennis camps for juniors at Hutton and Shenfield Tennis Club. Every half term or holiday, the club is extremely busy with children playing games and enjoying mini tournaments. The tennis camps at Hutton and Shenfield are very popular and a good way to get young people out and keeping fit.

Christian Allen:

Christian Allen was born and grew up in Essex. He enjoyed playing tennis and football as a boy both to an excellent standard. Qualifying as a Development Coach in 2007, he has since improved his qualifications by achieving the “Performance Coach” Accreditation from the Lawn Tennis Association.

He now has 12 years experience and is a licenced coach. He is Head Coach at Hutton and Sheffield Tennis Club and also runs a successful schools outreach programme, junior squads and adult and junior lessons. His personal skills are reflected by his popularity with juniors, minis, parents, coaching category and adult members and coaches beginners and experienced players of all ages; he has coached juniors to county standard and above.

Christian also runs the AEGON team tennis, the Road to Wimbledon, Chelmsford League teams as well as LTA tournaments and match-plays and also coaching at five local schools as part of the curriculum or after school clubs. He also assists those students in their Duke of Edinburgh awards and takes on Work Experience juniors, some of which have gone on to become coaches.

Hutton and Shenfield Tennis Club:

Established in 1919 and with around 150 adult and 100 junior members using five Astroturf courts the Hutton and Shenfield Tennis Club is a thriving local sports facility. With four floodlit courts, the club and courts can be found on Brockley Grove at the junction with Roundwood Avenue located next the Hutton and Shenfield Union Church.

The club caters for various standards, from those interested in serious match play to those happy with just social tennis. The club aims to promote an environment in which everyone enjoys their tennis at a fantastic location.

The club participates in many leagues catering for different levels of play, with Ladies, Mens, Mixed and Veterans matches throughout the year. Also club tournaments are very popular plus social tennis during the day and in the evening.

For juniors, aged 4 to 18, there are a range of activities. Junior coaching takes place every weekday from 3pm to 7pm and Saturday mornings from 9am to 12noon and players are graded based on age and standard. Also, there are fantastic camps that run during the school holidays.

All the courts are kept to a very high standard (two courts being relaid in the Summer 2014) with good facilities, balls and training equipment.