Taylor made success

For the father and son typify exactly what the awards are about -- success on the court and hard work off it.

For while Peter's hard work has come from beyond the baseline, son Iain has served and volleyed his way to glory.

But both are equally as important to the game of tennis and more, importantly, to sport in general.

For Iain, read Grassroots Champion. For Peter, read Spirit of Sport.

Peter, aged 57, is now in his third year as results and publicity secretary for the East Lancashire Tennis League.

It is a role he has thrown himself into and the challenge of promoting the game is something he is more than happy to tackle head on.

"There are still a lot of people who think tennis takes place for the two weeks that Wimbledon is on.

"That is the only time when tennis hits the back pages. That is the only time that a lot of people give it any sort of attention. But once it is over, the coverage dies off.

"What people don't seem to realise is that tennis is now virtually an all-year round sport. And I don't mean at the highest level. There are now more and more opportunities for local tennis players to play when they want.

"So while my main priority is to promote the league, it is also important to let people know that tennis is a game you can play any time of the year."

While Peter believes tennis is a game you can virtually play from six to 60-years-old, he is unable to practice what he preaches!

Injury ended his tennis playing days when he was 39-years-old and an ill-fated comeback last year made him realise he would not play competitively again.

"The only time I get to play now is when I have a knock-up with my grandson Daniel. But I do believe that tennis is a game you can play from about the age of six until you virtually pop your clogs. That is the beauty of tennis compared to other sports."

Son Iain has already played his part in putting tennis on the map after becoming the most successful player in the history of the Burnley and District Tennis League.

The 32-year-old etched his name in league folklore last year by clinching the coveted Grand Slam for an incredible third time.

For Iain -- the only player to win even one Grand Slam -- clinched his hat-trick of 'clean sweeps' after winning the singles, doubles, mixed doubles and league title.

While he is looking to re-write the history books by winning a record-equally sixth singles title this season, Iain is also weaving his magic as a coach.

Iain has been coaching for the past 12 months and dad Peter says he has quickly made a very good name for himself.

"Everyone knows how good a player Iain is and now they are realising he is becoming a very good coach as well. He is very much in demand and he is doing it for all the right reasons.

"I know he takes great satisfaction out of coaching youngsters and the most important thing he has done is to take it in to the schools."

Iain knows his days of dominating the Burnley League are numbered and is now beginning to turn his attentions to coaching.

Following his most recent Grand Slam success, he said: "It is getting tougher all the time. It is getting harder every year but I intend to keep going."

But his competitive spirit and knowledge of the game is now rubbing off on youngsters in schools around Burnley.

Having passed his level one coaching certificate and is currently working towards his level two, Iain is holding a number of coaching sessions at a number of primary schools and also at Towneley High School.

Peter added: "Iain's reputation as a coach is growing all the time and he is holding sessions at Clitheroe Tennis Club and Ribchester Tennis Club. But the most important thing he is doing is his work in the schools.

"That is where the future tennis players are."

Towneley High School is a dedicated mini tennis centre where Iain has been working with youngsters on a regular basis.

Peter said: "Mini tennis has been around for some time but it is nice to see it being taught in schools rather than just at tennis clubs."

Tennis needs all the publicity it can get -- after all it's an all-year sport and not just two weeks in June.

And Peter and Iain are Taylor made to give it just the boost it needs!