It’s game, set and match for local tennis legend Keith Smith MBE who is hanging up his racket and retiring from the court at the end of the month.
Boughey Gardens Head Coach Keith will officially step down at this season’s Junior Presentation night at Harper Adams on November 30.
And it will be a fitting place to depart for a man who has coached thousands of children throughout his career spanning 40 years.
Although sad to be leaving Keith said injuries have taken their toll and he is now ready to pass on the baton to rising stars Jared Fellows and Vicky Hunt.
Keith said: “It got to the stage where I was coming off the court in agony so I through it was time to call it a day.
“There are more demanding directives coming from the LTA and with two great young coaches coming through I thought the responsibility should be handed on to them.
“I have been very impressed with the way both Jared and Vicky have progressed, they have both come through the ranks as juniors and I know the scheme is in good hands.
“They also have club chairman Carlton Adams to help.”
With the future of the club in safe hands Keith said he will remain active as a member helping wherever he can.
He also revealed his proudest moment in recent years was actually off the court.
“My main highlight was when I was awarded the MBE in 2004 for services to sport and the community, “added Keith. I met Prince Charles, it was a great experience and a very proud moment, never to be forgot.
“But now I want to spend more time with my wife Sylvia and my grandson Aiden.
“There are also lots of places which I have wanted to visit and I will probably take up snooker again and enjoy the garden.”
Newport’s ‘Mr Tennis’ started playing at the town courts when he was 11 and has been unmissable at the club ever since progressing to play for the county.
He started coaching in 1969 and joined forces with ex Welsh national coach John Crooke who encouraged him to take his coaching exams.
Having built up a successful coaching scheme in Newport with the help of his eldest son Tim it boasts an average junior membership of around 250.
And the club now lies on the cusp of great changes with a £60,000 make over proposed for next summer.
Keith added: “I am really excited by the current players at the club, non more so that Kyle Fellows who is currently County Champion at under 16 level.
“Also in the top National Rankings this season have been Harriet Jones and her twin sister Olivia along with Emily Williams.
“Many other members have done well on the county scene as well as playing for the senior club teams.
“There is lots going on now with the renovation plans, so the new season can be a fresh start and the future is bright.”
The Junior Presentation evening will take place at Harper Adams University at 7.30pm in the Queen Mother Hall. Past and present tennis club youngsters are welcome to attend.
