Woodbridge Tennis Club is holding its annual Dick McDonald Memorial Tournament this Saturday 16th June to commemorate the former club coach and tennis player who passed away in 2016.
Dick was a hugely popular tennis coach at both Woodbridge Tennis Club, training the club’s Deben Juniors for several years, and nearby Kesgrave Tennis Club. He was also involved in short tennis at Farlingaye High School and was made the Head Coach at Kesgrave where he arranged the coaching programme and ran outdoor and short tennis sessions.
As a member of both clubs he played in the Mens and Mixed teams. In 2010, he was awarded the Suffolk Coastal Lifetime Achievement Award for services to tennis.
Dick’s widow, Jill McDonald, said, “Dick was originally an engineer but was always a keen sportsman playing football, cricket and tennis, which eventually became his passion, especially teaching youngsters which gave him great enjoyment.”
She added, “He passed away in August 2016, but even when he was in hospital he was trying to get the nurses to take up tennis.”
Players from both clubs are invited to join members of Dick’s family to take part in the tournament, which will be an informal and fun competition along with tea and cakes.
Woodbridge Tennis Club Chairman Steve Lemon, said, “This annual competition is a great way to remember and celebrate Dick’s enthusiasm for Woodbridge and Kesgrave Tennis Clubs and his passion for the game and nurturing young talent. ”
Both clubs are hoping that as many of Dick’s friends as possible come along to enjoy two hours of tennis and socialising from 3pm until 5pm at Woodbridge Tennis Club.
The first 12 players from each club to register will be able to compete in timed doubles matches. If there are spare places available they can be filled by players from each club. If you’d like to take part in the tournament you must register a place by contacting Martin Denny on kesgravetennisclub@gmail.com