AS WIMBLEDON begins a coach from thriving Kidderminster Tennis Club has scooped the runner-up award in national competition.

Tony Wright was named in second place for the Children’s Coach of the Year in the LTA Aegon Coach of the Year Awards on Saturday evening.

Wright was on a shortlist of five selected from over 3,900 registered coaches in the UK.

The four years since he began coaching at Kidderminster have seen club membership grow to record levels and over 5,000 hours of tuition given to hundreds of youngsters many of whom are now playing senior tennis and entering ranking tournaments.

Wright received his award from former British number one, Greg Rusedski who was fascinated to learn about the great work being done at Kidderminster Tennis Club bringing top-quality coaching to new generations of children.

Rusedski is also interesting in visiting the club to see for himself the good work going on.

Club chairman Sue Bradley will be writing to extend a formal invitation to the former US Open finalist, asking him to attend one of the club’s open days.

Kidderminster Tennis Club will hold two open days on Sunday and August. 2 The activities start at 1pm.

Visitors can have a taster session with Wright, chat with members and maybe even a hit with Greg Rusedski.

Details of how to apply for membership can be found at the website: kid derminstertennisclub.org or by phoning the club Secretary, Dave Sadler on: 01562 754783.