Annual Report 2020/21
Chris Davies, Chief Executive and Secretary
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s I reflect on the season which (for most players) didn’t take place, it is more interesting to focus on what did happen. Although the vast majority of members haven’t been able to play much at all, our schools (and under 18s) have enjoyed a renaissance. The T&RA has also worked its way through a rebranding programme to make the association more focussed on the needs of a modern digital world, juxtaposed with the requirement to serve our membership. We have been well supported by the effervescent Oli Harris and Jamie Craven and their free thinking. This will pull through onto the website and the social media outlets, harnessing the fabulous work that many members already do in this area. You’ll see the updated logo on the front of the Annual Report as just one This has also proved to be a perfect opportunity to progress of the new transformations, as well as the branding message a number of important (and overdue) projects. Although that our future is built on our history. The idea is to create a we haven’t been able to meet in person, the use of video sustainable and vibrant future for Real Tennis and Rackets; conferencing has boomed meaning than key decisions can and this will involve a new, attractive landing area for the be made to ensure we emerge into the 2021/22 season in website, in particular for those new to the games. Enabled by good shape. Regular Board and Committee Meetings have progressive governance, innovation and a genuine passion facilitated numerous initiatives, which have continued to gain for the sports, the T&RA is dedicated traction. to a long future for our games, to .....as well as the branding match their illustrious history. In short, Investing in Professionals is covered message that our future is we promise to protect the games we all in detail elsewhere; however, it is not possible to summarise the last built on our history. The idea love and believe in the power of Tennis and Rackets to engage and entertain. twelve months without making special is to create a sustainable Whether playing or watching, our reference to significant number and vibrant future for Real community become brand advocates, of volunteers who have made this and our biggest asset. happen, with 40+ contributing in one Tennis and Rackets’ way or another, facilitated by John While we have navigated this very strange year, which has Whiting. The programme is now live and run by a smaller seen Lockdowns, Tiers (and Tears), then Steps, the resilience team, with one apprentice working at Middlesex and of our members has never ceased to amaze me. Many of you two more starting shortly at Wellington and Cambridge, have joined the campaign to try and inform our government, trailblazers for the future. The aim is to safeguard the future writing to your local MPs in order to educate them that all of Real Tennis by providing a long-term career pathway for sports are not the same. Some disappointing responses professionals, through recruitment, personal development and accreditation. Our partnership with Sport Structures has in the main, but we did win the occasional concession. If you win enough skirmishes, you will ultimately win the war! been a pivotal part of this new process. The next challenge is I have been doing exactly the same, in conjunction with to extend the programme to Rackets and work with schools Sport England and other National Governing Bodies, so to establish how they see this role developing. Bringing new your invaluable help and support is greatly appreciated. professionals into both games is a key enabler for the future. My thanks also to Tim Harper for the crossword puzzles and the limerick challenge (aided and abetted by James We recently commenced the first phase of redesigning McDermott), which kept everybody sane and thinking of the RealTennisOnline (RTO) and are making extremely good future. All in all, the world of Tennis and Rackets adapted progress. RTO has not had coordinated updates in many and overcame. years and consequently both the functionality and the technical design are overdue a substantial overhaul. The We are at the cusp of a new season and fresh challenges first phase has concentrated on the technical aspects such for the next twelve months. A very different world for the as the underlying code and technical architecture, and small T&RA team of myself, Andrina, Olga and Jemima, users will see little change in their day to day interactions. as we navigate the tasks ahead; and also, co-editor Tory The second phase is concerned with user functionality for the Annual Report. The never-ending work of Howard and the look and feel of RTO, and will involve users from Angus very much makes him one of the team, for which I am the Tennis community to represent the views and ideas especially grateful. This is also the perfect time to rekindle of players. There is no intention to lose any of the features our relationship with our sponsors, Brown Advisory, Pol our members enjoy, including the On-line Booking and Roger and Play Brave, as well as our generous Patrons and the Rackets Ranking System. My thanks to Chris Lintott Benefactors. and Owen Saunders for their long hours and dedication. Thanks to some careful planning (and rescheduling), a handful of competitions have taken place, including the National Junior Open, testament to Paul Weaver’s determination.
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