Since October 2024, our weekends have often been shaped by the bright energy of the U8 Somerset Tennis Dragon Tour, an initiative brilliantly organised by Tim Seymour, the Somerset U8 Tennis Head Coach. Over the course of ten well-structured tournaments, U8 players from across the county have battled it out for points in a Grand Prix-style system, aiming for one of the coveted top 10 spots to secure their place in the final showdown last Sunday in Highbridge.

To qualify, players needed to participate in a minimum of four Dragon Tour events, and consistency was key. Our son threw himself into this challenge, competing in eight tournaments across the season. What made the journey even more memorable was the fact that he never finished lower than third place in any of the events — a remarkable display of commitment, focus, and progression throughout.

By the time the regular tour concluded, he had earned an impressive 4th place overall in the rankings, punching his well-deserved ticket to the Grand Prix final.

The Grand Prix Final – Highbridge Showdown

The final brought together the top 10 U8 players in Somerset, divided into two groups of five for a round-robin stage. The top two players in each group would progress to the semi-finals.

Our son had a tough start — losing his first match — and was understandably upset. As many parents in junior sports will know, these moments can be tough to watch. Thankfully, my wife is much better than I am at helping him work through these emotions. She helped him refocus and settle, and he showed real determination by winning his next four matches in a row.

His hard-fought comeback saw him finish second in his group, qualifying for the semi-finals.

In a twist of fate, his semi-final match was against the brother of the boy he had lost to earlier that morning. Both siblings are strong players from one of the private schools in Taunton, with the added advantage that their father is also the tennis coach at the same school.

Despite putting up a strong fight, our son couldn’t overcome his semi-final opponent — bringing his journey in the tournament to an end. The final became a brotherly affair, with both boys demonstrating the polished quality of their training and competitive grit.

Our son finished tied 3rd overall, and while he was disappointed not to make the final, it was a fantastic achievement — especially considering the strength of the field and his earlier setback on the day.

Looking Ahead: A New Challenge on the U9 Court

As parents, it’s been a joy watching him grow — not just in skill, but also in resilience and sportsmanship. The Dragon Tour has provided an excellent platform for young children to compete, connect, and develop confidence on court. It’s also been an opportunity for families across the region to come together and support one another in what is often a very individual sport.

A big thank you must go to Tim Seymour and the coaching team behind the tour. Their passion and dedication to grassroots tennis in Somerset has been inspiring. Initiatives like these are what help shape the future of sport — not just in terms of nurturing talent, but also in creating memories that will last a lifetime for both the players and their families.