Portugal Tennis Trip

Twenty-four tennis players across the school flew to the beautiful Val do Lobo on the Algarve, Portugal, to kick start their 2023 tennis tour.

The trip offered the keen tennis players the opportunity to have intensive tennis coaching from the 5 Star Coaching Team at the Vale do Lobo Tennis Club, which has had famous tennis players like Nastase, McEnroe, Borg, Leconte, Edberg, Stich, and Ivanisevic compete on their courts.

The Truro School group enjoyed two tennis sessions a day. The mornings were focused on skill development, particularly on rallying and the basics of technique. Whereas the afternoons focused on playing matches, including learning new doubles tactics. Each day’s tennis was rounded off with fun team games like the now famous “Sky High”, a favourite from the last two trips to Portugal. And some players had an opportunity to play matches against Bradfield College, in which they ended triumphantly.

Outside the tennis courts, pupils made the most of the sunshine by swimming, playing table tennis and hanging out with their friends in the Ria Park Hotel. They also took a trip to the beach and played Padel tennis, which for many, was their first taste of the fastest-growing sport in the world.

Evenings included watching the exhibition match between the coaches, bbq food, a quiz night and lots of free time to enjoy the hotel’s facilities.

After the last session, the coaches presented the Player of the Trip medal to Jess B and the Best Trainer/ Most Improved medal to Eva S. Well done, Girls!

Looking back on the trip, Evie N said, “I loved the trip! The coaches were so encouraging, and I loved being with my friends in the swimming pools; thanks to Miss Bickley for allowing us to swim and being our lifeguard.”

Dylan O added, “The tennis was excellent as the coaches made the sessions so much fun. After tennis, there was lots to do: Padel tennis, chill by the pool, swim, eat ice creams and watch the pros and other schools play. And it was great having the freedom to hang out with our friends after tennis back at the hotel.”

Miss Bickley, Mr Askey and Mr Michael would like to thank all the pupils for their impeccable behaviour on and off the court, for their attitudes and effort in all the tennis sessions, and for being so much fun to take away as a group.

Thanks to Phil, Pat and all the 5 Star Tennis Holidays team for organising another brilliant trip. We look forward to returning in 2024.