Joe Salisbury Visits Former School To Hit e Talk with the Kids

Australian Open Men's Doubles Champion Joe Salisbury paid a visit to his former primary school in Putney for a session with the youngsters there, according to BritWatchSports.

Salisbury won his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne with American Rajeev Ram and on Friday, he visited All Saints’ CoE Primary School organised by the LTA and took part in a tennis session for a group of 60 kids. Salisbury used to study at the school between 1996 and 2001 before going to study in the United States.

The 27 year old took to the stage to talk about his success in Melbourne and answer questions from the kids who asked him about his life as a tennis player. He then also took part in a special tennis session led by LTA coaches from the National Tennis Centre for a group of Year 3 and Year 5 pupils followed by signing autographs and posing for photos with them.

Salisbury commented, “It was amazing to be back at my first school after such an incredible few weeks in Australia. To see all the kids, get a chance to chat and play a bit of tennis with them was really special and it is just great to give something back. Hopefully it will inspire them start playing, keep playing or just find their passion in whatever they love doing.”

Steve Russell, Head of PE, All Saints CoE, school added: “To get the opportunity to have a hit with someone who is not only a Grand Slam winner but someone who played on the same playground as them was incredible for our children. What Joe has done is a great example to them of what you achieve if you work hard.”

Cecily Berry, one of the pupils who took part in the session, said: “I love playing tennis so it was really fun to play with Joe. I had to concentrate hard to make sure I kept on hitting it back to him but I really enjoyed it.”

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2SlmA8F