Linda Parsons a member at Woodbridge Tennis Club in SuffolkLinda Parsons is Woodbridge Tennis Club’s Welfare Officer, ensuring that the club offers a safe and inclusive environment for all members and visitors. We caught up with her to find out more about her love of tennis and which player she’d love to spend the day with in Woodbridge!

What’s your earliest memory of playing tennis?

Lining up with lots of other 9-year-olds for a chance to hit a ball on the public courts on Lowestoft seafront.

What do you love about Woodbridge?

I can walk through the town, beside the river or into the woods right from my front door.

What has been the high point of your playing career so far?

Being asked to play in a team!

disco ball

Linda likes a dance! Photo by Paul Zoetemeijer on Unsplash

What music are you into?

Funk/soul but pretty much anything that gets people on the dance floor.

Who is your all-time tennis hero and why?

Roger Federer. GOAT. Not only is he a fantastic stroke maker but I love that he is prepared to find new ways to improve.

Who would you most like to play – current or former tennis stars?

Roger of course! But I also really enjoy watching Ash Barty and Petra Kivitova.

How do you think you’d do against them?

Ha ha. Perhaps it could be doubles and I’d partner Serena!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given about playing?

Forget the previous point.

Which current tennis players would be good fun for a day out in Woodbridge and where would you take them?

Tennis player Stefanos Tsitisipas

Tennis player Stefanos Tsitisipas making a splash on his travel blog

Stefanos Tsitisipas – a river walk for his travel vlog.

What is the best part of your game?

Probably a sneaky little drop shot.

Woman tennis player serving

Linda wants to keep practising her serve!

What’s not so good/room for improvement?

Serve, serve, serve.

What’s your favourite film?

Harry Potter 1-8

What do you like doing away from the court?

Food – making and especially eating. Following the tennis results.

What makes Woodbridge Tennis Club special?

A fantastic junior offering. Great work in schools and a huge range of opportunities at the courts. 

Tell us about your role at the club?

I am the Welfare Officer which means that I help to promote a safe and inclusive environment at the club. My key message is that safe-guarding is everyone’s responsibility. 

Which five people (living or dead) would be at your dream party?

J.K. Rowling, Stephen Fry, Billie Jean King, Sandy Toksvig and Daniel Farke (Norwich City Manager)