ASPIRING tennis stars in the region were given the chance hear from one of the world’s best players and pose with a piece of sporting history.
The LTA’s ‘Emma Raducanu Trophy Tour’ is continuing its journey around Britain, with the US Open trophy the centre of attention for pupils at St Bernadette’s Primary School in Middlesbrough.
Raducanu’s victory at the US Open in September 2021 was a moment that brought the nation together and now the LTA have tapped into the enthusiasm generated by a remarkable sporting moment to spread the message of the game around the country, in a drive to promote the LTA Youth Schools initiative, a programme that Emma is an ambassador for.
After starting out in London earlier this week, the iconic trophy is plotting a path around Britain that included a stop in Middlesbrough, with Raducanu delivering a video message at each venue.
On Teesside, the pupils of St Bernadette’s Primary School relished the chance to get close to Raducanu’s US Open trophy, whilst also getting outside for an LTA Youth tennis session delivered by an LTA Youth coach.
A special video from Raducanu was played to the students, with the US Open champion continuing to be an inspiration to youngsters across Britain.
“I’m really excited to be teaming up with the LTA to take my US Open trophy on a tour of the country,” said Raducanu.
“All the schools we are taking the trophy to have played tennis as part of the LTA Youth Schools programme and my hope is that the trophy will inspire them to continue their tennis journey both inside and outside of school.”
The Trophy Tour, which is a highlight of the LTA’s wider plans to grow tennis, supports LTA Youth, an innovative junior programme aimed to help more children aged 4-18 enjoy tennis.
Clare Harding, head of sport and primary strategic lead for PE at Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, said sport plays a central role in its mission.
“NPCAT Sport is dedicated to providing world class physical education, sport and physical activities that cater for all regardless of background, ability or personal circumstances,” she said.
“Our mission is to positively impact the lives of all pupils and I can't think of a better way than to be inspired by Emma Raducanu's stunning victory at the US Open.
“As part of a tour around Britain, the children at St. Bernadette's are being given the chance to get close to this iconic trophy, as well as getting outside for a training session with an LTA youth coach.
“Emma is such a positive sporting role model and shows our children what can be achieved if you are determined and dedicated enough.”
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