news-engine

Wimbledon final is a thrill for Chichester duo Chichester’s Maureen Champa and Megan Goring were thrilled to reach a final on the manicured lawns of Wimbledon, enjoying an unforgettable experience at SW19. Champa, 37, and Goring, 31, who play at Chichester Racquets and Fitness Club, came runners-up in the women’s doubles event at the national finals at Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, Britain’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition and is delivered in partnership with the LTA and the All England Club. Thousands of players took part in the qualifying stages this year, leading to county and regional finals in June and July, with the winners progressing to the national finals on Wimbledon’s Aorangi Courts last week. Champa and Goring enjoyed a highly successful week and were excited to say they have played at Wimbledon. “I was buzzing,” said Goring. “I’d been to the Championships before but not to play. Maureen signed us up - she’s been here before, and I was lucky enough to get the call-up to be her partner this year. “Playing on the Wimbledon grass is pretty prestigious. It was quite a privilege. We had quite a few friends and family here watching - we definitely pushed the two person limit!” Champa added: “I was lucky enough to play last year, and I had this date circled on my calendar ever since the last day last year. It totally helped having that experience - even walking in, I felt more comfortable because I knew where I was headed to register. You’re still in awe when you’re around though, with all the atmosphere.” The event, which took place between 2-8 August, offers recreational tennis players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete on Wimbledon’s acclaimed grass courts, less than a month after The Championships. In addition, participants received a tour of the Grounds and enjoyed a taste of what it is like competing at Wimbledon, observing the all-white dress code and using the official player facilities. Last year saw over 11,000 players taking part in the competition, with more than 780 venues hosting the initial stages and 340 players reaching the national finals. This year’s Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, and supported by the All England Club and the LTA, hosted 14U Junior Singles, 18U Junior Doubles, 19+ Adult Doubles, Wheelchair Adult and Junior, Learning Disability and Visually Impaired categories, plus Para Standing and Deaf competitions – newly formalised categories for 2026. A coaching clinic for 14&U players was also conducted by Head Coach of the All England Club, Dan Bloxham. Play Your Way to Wimbledon encourages tennis enthusiasts of all levels to pick up a racket and get involved in the sport. Participants begin by competing locally at their club, park or school before progressing to county and/or area finals and eventually reaching the national finals at Wimbledon. Jamie Baker, Associate Director of Professional Tennis and Tournament Director of The Championships, Wimbledon said: "In partnership with Vodafone and the LTA, we are delighted to open up Play Your Way to Wimbledon to even more players with the addition of para-standing and deaf competitions. “For many of these players, competing on Wimbledon’s grass courts will be their first experience on the surface. We hope this competition continues to inspire players of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to discover the fun and benefits of tennis." Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition. It is part of Vodafone’s ongoing commitment as Official Connectivity Partner to The Championships, to connect more people with the sports and events they love, while supporting grassroots tennis and making the sport more accessible to players of all ages and abilities.