An unlikely tennis doubles pairing, David McCandless, 80, and his 14-year-old partner Liam, have proven to be a winning combination in the North West of Ireland league. The duo, who have a 66-year age gap, teamed up two years ago and have since won more than half of their league games.
Liam described their initial matches as figuring out positions, but after a few games, they developed a system and started winning. David noted the partnership began "purely by accident" but has "worked out very well indeed." He believes his experience complements Liam's coaching and natural ability, while Liam praises David's consistency and experience.
Both players are part of the City of Derry Tennis Club, which boasts around 100 members from diverse backgrounds. Despite its growing membership, the club faces a significant challenge as it lacks its own clubhouse or courts, relying on rented facilities across Derry. Club spokesman Keith Bloomfield expressed disappointment that funding for repairing and upgrading courts is not in council capital plans, highlighting that neighbouring towns have bespoke tennis facilities that Derry lacks.
Derry City and Strabane District Council acknowledges the value of tennis and has met with the club to discuss concerns and explore funding for court upgrades. However, the council assesses that there is currently adequate provision for tennis in the city based on existing capacity and usage. The club disputes this, citing that courts at St Columb's Park have been closed for a safety assessment, and those at Clooney Park West are in poor condition, leaving only the Waterside Shared Village courts, where line markings are showing their age.