A SPORTY teenager has been recognised for his tennis talents.

Kyle Church, from Witham, first wowed his PE teachers and First Service Tennis Academy with his skills.

The Year Ten Maltings Academy student has now been recognised as Young Volunteer of the Year in the Lawn Tennis Association Essex Tennis Awards.

Tennis academy director and head coach Ash Baker said Kyle is a dedicated player who never misses a training session.

“Becoming a volunteer has been the making of Kyle,” he said.

“The juniors love him, he is developing good relationships with them and supporting their tennis progression nicely.

“We want to support him in his coaching career and hope he will continue to give to the academy and community through his apprenticeship.

“He has shown us a clear commitment to tennis, the club and the community.”

Kyle has also been offered an apprenticeship to train as a tennis coach at the club in Witham when he turns 16.

The teenager, who switched to playing tennis after falling out of love with football, said: “As tennis is an individual sport, I am constantly involved in the game, making every game fun to play.

“Being tall is a bonus as it helps to make serving the ball easier.

“The club has offered me an apprenticeship to get my coaching qualification, so I can then help to coach each week.

“I am really pleased as I have always wanted to go into sport after school. I would like to pursue this as a future career.”

Kyle’s PE teacher, Dan Pearce, first recommended Kyle to the First Service Tennis Academy.

Mr Pearce said: “The club took Kyle under their wing and pushed him to be the best he could be.

“It doesn’t matter whether he now takes that forward as a career or a hobby, or as a way of earning some pocket money, or as something to put on his CV for college or university.

“It is great to see him enjoying it so much.

“As a school, we create links with local clubs, so that when students like Kyle show potential or passion, we have contacts to put them in touch with to take things further.”