A whole new world opened up to us yesterday as we arrived at our son’s first tennis mini tournament. Beforehand we explained to a competitive 5 year old that it’s about the taking part and having fun whilst secretly hoping for a win. Nobody wants to be a pushy parent, but there is nothing wrong with a little encouragement.

Once there the kids are indeed in it for the fun whilst the parents get into competition mode from what the children wear to the way they play.

I am not here to criticise because when it comes to competing I am not one to drop the sponge. My boy looked the part in his Nadal gear complete with headband. Scary to think there are lots more people as crazy as me, with Babolat rackets and all sorts of gadgets.

When matches started parents were telling the kids to enjoy it but  I am sure most fellow parents secretly hoped for their child to show an early want-to-win attitude, cheering them and criticising some of the umpire’s calls.

Competition ran higher amongst parents than players yesterday and I for one was proud as one can be when my son won 5 out of 6 matches.