Youngsters are top of the class at Mirfield schools tennis festival
More than 60 youngsters produced high quality tennis and showed plenty of community spirit as the Mirfield Schools Tennis Festival closed the school year in style.
The tournament, split into Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 divisions, began with round-robin group stages before the top three players progressed to the individual knockout rounds.
Among the early stars were Battyeford C of E (VC) Primary School twins Maeve and Mannix, whose powerful serving and composed match play saw them dominate their respective groups.
Their momentum carried through to the finals, where Maeve overcame schoolmate Amber in convincing fashion, while Mannix edged out Hopton Primary School’s County squad player, Zidan, in a tense, high level contest.
Both siblings were crowned individual champions, completing a rare double victory for one family.
In the Year 3/4 school competition, overall team performance in the group stages determined the title.
Although Hopton Primary School’s players narrowly missed out in the knockout rounds, their consistent scoring proved decisive.
The squad of Archie (unbeaten), Dimpie, Teddy and Zidan amassed enough points to secure the Year 3/4 school title, showcasing depth, teamwork, and impressive resilience.
The Year 5/6 division promised a tight battle on paper, but it was Roberttown, making their debut in the festival, who stunned the field.
Their balanced squad delivered across the board, with the girls’ team scoring nearly double the points of nearest rivals Boothroyd and Hopton Primary School.
Despite a five-point deficit from the boys’ results, Roberttown’s overall tally of 46 points secured the coveted Year 5/6 school title.
Crossley Fields Junior & Infant School’ boys only team also impressed, posting 29 points to claim the runners-up position.
Mirfield Tennis Club chairperson, Andy O’Donnell, praised the event’s impact on the town and surrounding communities, saying: “The festival continues to be a great occasion for young people and families.
"Our club is proud to offer excellent facilities, strong safeguarding standards, and inclusive opportunities for anyone wanting to play tennis, socially or competitively.
"With charitable status and thriving adult teams across Huddersfield, Wakefield and Calderdale leagues, we welcome new members to visit our website and see what we offer.”
Festival convenor and Head Coach Tee highlighted the growing anticipation among local schools, saying: “This is an event our children look forward to every year.
"We’re grateful to Yorkshire Tennis & Padel and Redmayne Bentley for funding the festival and helping us build a fantastic awards system with trophies, certificates and prizes.
"The level of tennis is remarkable, even from pupils picking up a racket for the first time.”
He added that the club’s Schools Outreach Programme is now identifying emerging talent with the aim of supporting players towards County level, saying: “Parents who want to explore opportunities for their children can contact us via our website or find us on Facebook and Instagram.”
Elsewhere, Boothroyd’s Myiesha and Crossley fields’ Zainuddin received Sportsmanship awards.
With rising standards, growing participation, and strong community backing, the Mirfield Schools Tennis Festival continues to cement its place as one of the region’s most exciting junior sporting events.