Young tennis ace’s smashing summer

Rising star Ben Good has crowned a memorable sporting summer by adding a top tennis trophy to a coveted piece of soccer silverware.

One of the stars of the Cringleford Juniors U9 cup-winning team at the International tournament organised by the club at Easton, Ben has also become a county tennis champion. He won the recent Norfolk County U9 tennis championship at East Anglia Tennis and Squash Club at Lime Tree Road. After topping his group and winning his semi-final in straight sets, he went a set down in the final but battled back to win the next two sets to claim the title.

“I’m incredibly proud of Ben, not just for winning the championship, but for the hard work and determination he’s shown to get here,” said his father Chris.

“Tennis can be a brutal sport physically and mentally, especially at such a young age. There’s no place to hide. But that’s helped Ben grow his confidence and resilience. What makes me proudest is the way he’s handled both the highs and the setbacks. While not without some tears, win or lose he always comes off court eager to learn and go again. Thanks go to his National Tennis Association Futures Academy coach, Ben Croftwood, and his team for all their support.”

Ben and partner Axel Wade were runners-up in the Norfolk County championship U10 doubles (both playing a year up). A member of East Anglia Tennis and Squash Club at Lime Tree Road, Ben is part of the National Tennis Association Futures Academy. He takes part in young player performance programme training sessions at CNS School and EATSC.

Cringleford Primary School pupil Ben has been playing tennis since he was four and won a silver medal in his first official tournament, aged six. His favourite tennis player is Carlos Alcaraz and his favourite shot is a jumping back-hand smash. Before enjoying Cringleford International Cup success with the U9 Lions, he won a silver medal in Madrid on a club tour in May.