A WALL Heath tennis coach is hoping it will be game, set, match when he makes his GB debut this month.

Adrian Hyde, head coach at Wall Heath Tennis Club, has been selected to represent Great Britain in the European Club Senior Championships which will be held at La Manga Tennis Club, Spain, from Monday September 17 to ~Saturday September 22.

Adrian was selected to make his GB debut after playing for Florence Tennis Club, Staffordshire, which won the over 50s Great Britain club championships in November last year.

An avid player since the age of eight, Adrian was introduced to the sport by his parents Doug and Val Hyde who helped to get the current club started in 1972.

He has represented Staffordshire at county level for more than 30 years and says he is delighted to now represent Great Britain on the European stage at the age of 54.

Adrian said: “I still love the game as much as I did when I first started playing nearly 50 years ago. I am grateful to my parents for introducing me to tennis and taking me to tournaments as a junior.

“The game has given me many happy memories with a highlight being able to represent Staffordshire at Wimbledon. However, the greatest benefit of taking up the game has undoubtedly been making so many friends over the years.”

Adrian has coached at the club since qualifying at 18 and runs a programme for all ages and abilities all year round. He is currently working with the Tennis Foundation and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust to provide coaching as a means to improving patients well-being.

Club chairman Paul Parry said: “We're really proud of Adrian. He has dedicated his coaching career to the club where it all began for him and has taught hundreds of people over the years. We wish him all the very best in his forthcoming championships representing GB and Wall Heath Tennis Club too.”

The club is currently trying to raise money to resurface its courts which are breaking up and members want to hear from anyone including businesses in the area able to help with donations, sponsorship or fundraising.

Adrian said: “All of us at the club are really keen to give children the same opportunity that we had, to train at a small and welcoming local club. Who knows we might even produce a future Wimbledon Champion like Dorothy Round of Dudley.”

Anyone interested in playing at the club or taking part in the well-being sessions or helping to raise funds can email Adrian at adrianhyde1@virginmedia.com, call 07753673143 or check out www.wallheathtennisclub.co.uk.