TENNIS: A NUDGE to the ribs knocked Will Coakes off the sofa and pushed him towards a national coaching award.
The 14-year-old Arden School pupil has received county recognition from Warwickshire and his name has now been forwarded for further commendation.
Coakes undertook three days’ coaching per week during the last summer holidays under the watchful eye of Kane Mann, mini-coach at Knowle and Dorridge Tennis and Racquets club.
The youngster went from setting out the courts to helping Mann during lessons.
He said: “It was my mum who encouraged me – and I’m so pleased I did because it was something I enjoyed the more I got into it.
“It’s been good fun and I do think it has improved my self-confidence.”
The teenager’s name is now being considered at national level following a recommendation from the club.
His mother, Deb, said: “I wanted him to get out – he wasn’t sitting inside playing computer games all summer – and I think he’s secretly glad he did it.
“I hope he continues with it.”
