Our News!

South East Regional Assessment Challenge

As part of the LTA talent assessment programme Jana was invited to the South East Regional tennis talent ID at Sutton Tennis Academy as a result of her performance at the recent Oxfordshire County talent ID day.

The South East Regional Assessment day involves a total of 16 invited players from each age group from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, Surrey, Sussex & Kent & consists of tennis sessions, physical assessments & matchplay. Jana started the day by undergoing a number of physical tests which aim to measure the athletic qualities of the young tennis players, Jana commented that the standard in all the tests was extremely high, but she acquitted herself really well though a wide range of tests including sprinting, jumping & agility tests. After a welcome break for lunch the tennis assessments began in the afternoon, these were broken into separate tests which evaluated the players shots which included cross courts, drive volleys, volleys, drop shots & serves. The final parts of the 4.5 hour assessment involved a series of matchplays against different girls in the group, the overall standard was extremely high & Jana showed that she was not overawed & played some of her best tennis of the year.

Overall Jana really enjoyed herself & went from task to task with a big beaming smile on her face. Jana will receive a report over the next few weeks which will give details of how she performed compared with girls participating in similar Regional ID days from other regions in the UK. In the meantime Jana will continue to training at the WHLC & compete regularly in Orange level tournaments.

Oxford Gangshow

6th Abingdon Girl Guide Fiona B (6W) and Wheatley Brownsea Cub Scout Nadia Q (6L) have been busy rehearsing for this year’s Gang Show to be held at Oxford’s New Theatre (13th – 17th March 2012). The picture shows Fiona and Nadia in their respective uniforms – Nadia is wearing a red neckerchief and bronze woggle earned from performing in last year’s Gang Show (she can also be seen on the promotional poster). Fiona has earned her neckerchief and woggle through her performance at the Town Hall last year and is due to be presented with hers in due course! Only members of the Gang Show are awarded these – so they are a sign of a lot of hard work and dedication!

This is likely to be the last year the show is performed at the New Theatre.  Details of the show.

It is cheaper to get tickets directly from Gang Show rather than the New Theatre as Gang Show don’t add on ticket surcharges and they have already block-booked seats! Nadia’s mother Michelle is happy to co-ordinate any ticket purchases if required: email michelle@khuja.co.uk

Any child who may be interested in joining either the Guiding or Scouting Movement are encouraged to speak to either of the girls for further details of the exciting opportunities available. (Girls are welcome in both Guiding and Scouting Movements – boys are only admitted to Scouting).

Millie Triumphs at Judo Competition

During the holidays,  Millie LA (5RK) entered a judo competition run by her tutor and came 4th in the mixed league.  She was presented with a stunning trophy.  She is lucky enough to have a wonderful tutor and she learned a lot at the competition.

Today, at school, the theme of our assembly was “following your dreams” and Millie’s performance was used as an example for the other boys and girls.  There was a judo display on the big screen in the background as she came up to collect her trophy from Mr Heyworth.  Next on the screen was Martin Luther-King (not doing judo!)

Well done, Millie!

Tennis Champ in the Making

Jana is a very  dedicated tennis player and she currently trains four times a week as part of the White Horse Leisure Tennis Centre fast track development squad.

Last Friday, the British Tennis No 1 & World No. 51  Elena Baltacha visited the WHTLC to coach some of the most talented young players.  Jana was delighted to be one of only seven from her age group chosen to participate in a tennis demonstration with Ms Baltacha.

Jana was extremely nervous but acquitted herself really well and enjoyed the opportunity to rally with Elena. This was the first time that Jana has played tennis in front of 100 eager players and parents.

Well done, Jana!

The Wheels are Spinning for Florence

The cycling season is not finished yet and there are a number of races to be done but 2 weeks ago, Florence M 3B was awarded the senior training trophy at Palmer Park Cycling Club.

She was awarded it for endeavour because over the summer she broke 2 club records for the U8 age group: 200m sprint and the 1 lap sprint.

One of the records was set 15 years ago and she was particularly commended for her continued hard work and fantastic progress (her times are faster than many riders in the more senior age groups.)  The previous holder of the club records is now a professional cyclist and European medal winner.

Congratulations, Florence!