Backwell undergraduate teaches tennis in Africa

A BACKWELL teenager taught tennis to students while on a volunteering project in Uganda.

Lewis Vincent, aged 19, who coaches tennis at Backwell School, joined the charity Volunteer Uganda in the Kanunga district of the country for six weeks to teach maths and English in local schools.

Sportsman Vincent took along some tennis equipment, supplied by Backwell Tennis Club professional Ben Tilling, and used it to coach the Ugandan children, aged between eight and 17, in basic ball skills and tennis shots.

Vincent, who studies economics at Bath University, said: "I heard about Volunteer Uganda through a friend and thought it was a fantastic opportunity.

"I'm the assistant coach at Backwell so I thought it would be a good idea to take over some kit and teach some of the kids how to play tennis."

Lewis was met by the challenge of teaching complete novices and revealed none of the children had even heard of the sport.

He added: "None of them had even seen a racket before never mind hold one.

" Strangely enough, there was actually a picture of a tennis player on the wall where we were teaching - but with the word 'golf' written underneath it.

"They showed a lot of enthusiasm though and actually took to it really well. 

"I think, because they'd never played before, they paid more attention than they would usually do and as a result they showed some good skills.

"We've left the kit out there for them to use so hopefully, they will play more and more tennis and keep improving."