2025 HAS been another exceptional year for tennis and padel in Jersey. The island has witnessed moments of brilliance, dedication, and community spirit across all age groups.
For players, coaches, and volunteers alike, it has been a year marked by achievement, progress and optimism for the future.
Sonia Smith, vice chair of Jersey Tennis and Padel, reflected on the year in conversation with the JEP: “We’ve had an amazing year again. We’ve had a run of good years recently, so that’s really encouraging. We’ve got a really strong team at the moment,” she said. Smith’s enthusiasm encapsulates just how far the Island’s racquet sports have come in recent years.
Dominance at the inter-insular and the Island Games
Once again, Jersey’s tennis players proved their class on inter-island soil, securing an 8-4 victory over Guernsey to retain the Bucktrout Trophy for a fourth consecutive year.
The annual inter-insular fixture, hosted this year at the Guernsey Tennis Centre, proved the depth and skill of the Island’s athletes, with both singles and doubles performances contributing to Jersey’s commanding win.
The weekend began with Guernsey taking an early lead, winning three of the four women’s singles to go 3-1 ahead. However, Jersey’s Natasha Forrest produced a highlight of the competition, battling back from a set down to defeat Guernsey’s number one and Island Games gold medallist Lauren Watson-Steele in an electrifying tie-break that ended 11-9.
“Natasha won her match against Watson-Steele, and for her to pull off that win was just fantastic,” Smith said.
From that pivotal point, Jersey’s men seized control. Marnix Van Dalen, Luca Paciello, Jonnie Le Feuvre, and James Faudemer all delivered assured victories in their singles matches.
Van Dalen’s composure under pressure, notably his 7-6, 6-2 win over Rob West, and Paciello’s thrilling 6-2, 5-7, 11-9 victory over Tom Turner, kept Jersey in the ascendancy. Le Feuvre and Faudemer completed the men’s clean sweep, giving Jersey a 5-3 lead going into the doubles.
Smith mentions how important the introduction of a few of the men’s players has been, but also the effect it has on the younger tennis players in Jersey: “If we didn’t have the likes of the Marnixes and the Lucas, the youngsters might be taking those places. But no, they’re going to have to work, because that is really, really important. And it brings a new life.”
Consistency in doubles sealed the victory. Van Dalen and Le Feuvre combined to win 6-2, 6-4, while Forrest and Eva Hurst added another point with a 6-2, 7-5 success over Watson-Steele and Barker.
Paciello and Faudemer produced a dramatic final doubles win, triumphing 11-9 in a champions tie-break against Ben Ferbrache and Nico Robinson. By the time the last doubles match was over, Jersey had secured the Bucktrout Trophy yet again.
Smith said: “We did have a particularly strong team. We had some really good men who normally would walk into an individual side, who didn’t even make the team this year because of Marnix and Luca arriving. They’re both young, they’re incredible players, and they’re very professional.”
Smith continued to praise the squad’s depth and competitive spirit: “We went off with a lot of depth. Johnny Le Feuvre, Louis Keenan – these youngsters are brilliant, and they push each other every day. That’s what keeps the standards high.”
Although tennis was not included in the official programme at the most recent Island Games, Jersey’s players ensured the momentum built in Guernsey in 2023 was not lost.
An alternative island competition in the Isle of Man provided a valuable platform for the squad to compete in demanding conditions, test themselves against strong opposition and continue their development on an international stage.
Smith was pleased with the strong performances and healthy medal return on foreign grounds: “We still came away with a strong medal haul, and that shows the depth we have at the moment. It reinforces that our standards don’t drop just because the format is different.”
“For some of the younger players, it was their first taste of an Island Games style competition, and that experience is invaluable. It prepares them perfectly for future Island Games,” she continued.
Padel’s progress and potential
While tennis enjoyed a comfortable victory, Jersey’s padel teams faced a sterner challenge at the Corcuera Cup, where Guernsey lifted the trophy with a 47-17 win.
Despite the overall loss, Jersey’s players showed promise, particularly in the Ladies’ Open category. Natasha Forrest and Claire Clarke were unbeaten, and Forrest’s performance earned her the most valuable player award.
“All of the junior activity is starting to kick off, which is really exciting,” said Smith. “We got our courts a little later than Guernsey, but give it a few years and we’ll have some really strong 20-year-olds.”
The men’s side, led by Scott Clayton and Aaron Higgins, achieved six victories from 16 matches, with Clayton continuing his excellent form from recent international successes, including a Croatian national padel tournament win.
The men’s vets produced a resilient display, led by Morgan Jubb and Ian Furness, winning three of their four matches. Smith highlighted that these inter-insular results were only part of the bigger picture: “Padel’s been an incredible addition to our lives here in Jersey.
It’s social, it’s fun, and it complements tennis really well. Players are developing skills that transfer back to the tennis court, especially in doubles and net play.”
Padel’s accessibility and social nature have contributed to its rapid growth. With categories spanning under-18 to over-60, the sport truly offers something for everyone.
Smith explained: “It literally is a sport for life. During Covid, it was really important that everyone got out there. You can play from eight years old up to seventy, it’s amazing.”
Besides the Jersey players, the provision of the LTA Seniors G2 Championships at St Clement during the summer was another significant milestone for padel in Jersey, bringing top-level competition to the Island and showcasing just how far the sport has come locally.
Some of the best senior players from across the UK and Europe travelled to Jersey, competing in ideal conditions and providing island players with rare exposure to the highest standard of play at senior level.
Sonia Smith believes events like this are vital for the continued development of the sport.
“It’s so important for our players to see what that level looks like up close,” she said. “Whether you’re competing or watching, it gives you a real benchmark and something to aspire to.”
She added that the atmosphere around the courts was just as important as the competition itself, explaining: “What’s been really lovely is seeing families, friends, and spectators coming down to watch. Padel has this amazing ability to bring people together, and events like this really show the community side of the sport.”
Spotlight on youth development
2025 has also been a banner year for Jersey’s juniors, with both tennis and padel seeing rising stars emerge. The Grainville Tennis club hosted the SaSo Strategic Jersey Closed, which featured a series of impressive performances across multiple age groups.
Seventeen-year-old Jonnie Le Feuvre dominated the men’s tennis singles, defeating experienced competitors to take the title. “He’s an Island Games player, and he’s a great hope for us, because he’s only 17 and he’s busy beating all the men. He’s doing really well,” said Smith.
Isabella Aldridge had a remarkable tournament as well, winning four top prizes across categories including ladies’ singles, under-16 girls’ singles, under-16 girls’ doubles with Anais McDermott, and mixed doubles with Max Forbes.
Younger players also made their mark: under-12 athletes Jayden De Abreu and Evan Maultby finished first and second respectively in singles, with De Abreu taking top honours. “He has definitely established himself,” Smith noted. “He’s a young talent, very keen and enthusiastic, works hard, and is playing really well. He’s someone to watch for the future.”
Recognising the need for regular competitive experience, Jersey Tennis began weekly matchplay for under-eights, nines and tens at the Caesarean.
“We’ve really lagged behind the UK in terms of the amount of matchplay our youngsters are getting,” Smith said. “This will make a big difference, especially for the girls, who seem to need a bit of a push to enter competitions.”
“So it starts at that age, but then, yeah, I’m very proud, because we go all the way through the age groups. And next year we’re finally, hopefully, going to host the over-65 inter-insular as well, which got postponed last year.”
The role of volunteers and sponsors
Behind every match, tournament and development initiative are countless hours of volunteer effort.
Jersey Tennis and Padel operate entirely without paid staff, relying on committed individuals to organise training, manage events, and support players.
Smith described her own role as hands-on, explaining: “I’ll do anything from picking up the T-shirts to arranging flights, making people turn up to training, remembering who everyone is, and caring for the juniors. I’m basically the dog’s body – but I love it.”
Sponsorship is equally critical. Organisations such as Sasso Strategic Advisors, Ingram Advocates, Carey Olsen, and Rathbones have provided invaluable financial and logistical support, allowing Jersey to field competitive teams, develop junior programmes, and maintain high-quality facilities. “We couldn’t do it without our sponsors,” Smith emphasised.
Facilities: A work in progress
Despite the successes, Jersey Tennis and Padel face ongoing challenges around facilities.
The Island has numerous outdoor courts, but indoor options remain limited. Caesarean and St John’s courts are in high demand, often shared with other sports. Smith highlighted the need for a dedicated indoor tennis facility: “We desperately need more indoor courts.
It’s not just for training – we need them for matchplay, events and competitions. Having our own facility would transform what we can offer.”
Padel facilities, by contrast, have grown in recent years, with the opening of St Clement’s courts, alongside the newer Les Ormes courts, providing much-needed capacity.
Smith noted the sport’s growth internationally and locally: “Padel is really coming into its own. It’s growing fast, doubling every minute it feels like, and we’re just starting to get the younger generation integrated.”
However, with the sport’s rapid growth, securing time on the Island’s courts is becoming increasingly challenging.
Bridging generations and building legacy
A key element of Jersey’s sporting success is the integration of young players into senior squads. Recent arrivals like Marnix Van Dalen, Luca Paciello, and Reuben Legge have brought experience and high-level competition to the teams, while also providing role models for the Island’s juniors.
“We’ve got really good juniors at the moment – Max Forbes, Niall Hannah, Sonny Derrien – and they see what they have to work for. The new arrivals bring a new life to the teams and set a benchmark for the younger players,” Smith explained.
The Channel Islands rivalry adds a unique dynamic. While competition with Guernsey is fierce, collaboration ensures high standards and opportunities for development. “We operate as a county in the Channel Islands. There’s a huge rivalry, but generally, we work really well together, and that cohesion benefits everyone,” Smith said.
Highlights and achievements
Across the Island this year, numerous milestones and victories stand out:
Island Games: Jersey’s teams continue to perform strongly on the international stage, including alternative tennis events hosted by the Isle of Man after tennis was omitted from the Orkney Games. Despite adverse weather, the teams won numerous medals.
Junior Development: Inaugural programmes for under-eights to under-tens matchplay have begun, alongside the first junior padel inter-insular being planned and ruined by Blue Islands’ demise. Nonetheless, pathways are constantly being created for future Jersey athletes.
Open success: Bucktrout Trophy retained on foreign soil, successful local tournaments continue to thrive.
Veteran success: Over-45 and over-55 competitions continue to thrive, demonstrating the inclusivity and longevity of both sports.
International recognition: Jersey padel players like Scott Clayton, Aaron Higgins, John Southern, and Bero Bobus have begun to make their mark on the British scene.
Individual brilliance: Natasha Forrest won player of the year at the Caesarean Tennis Club.
Looking ahead to 2026
The calendar for 2026 is already packed, with county cups, international tournaments, and domestic events spanning tennis and padel.
Smith is optimistic, stating: “We’ve got the talent, the enthusiasm, and the structure now. With support from our sponsors and the community, we’ll continue to grow at this pace.
Tennis and padel complement each other, they’re social, they’re fun, and they’re for life. I can’t see either of them fizzling out any time soon.”
Plans include expanding junior padel programmes, hosting the next grade-one tournament, and continuing to develop indoor matchplay opportunities for younger tennis players.
The overall goal is clear: maintain competitive success, grow participation, and ensure that Jersey remains a powerhouse for racquet sports in the Channel Islands and beyond.
A community united by sport
At its core, the success of Jersey Tennis and Padel is about community. Volunteers, coaches, sponsors, parents, and players all contribute to a shared vision of sporting excellence.
Whether it’s a young player winning their first match, a veteran lifting a trophy, or the excitement of a tightly contested inter-insular, the sense of belonging and camaraderie is palpable.
Smith summed it up best: “We’re in a really strong place right now, and the exciting thing is that it feels like we’re still building rather than peaking.
“When you look across tennis and padel together, it’s hard not to feel incredibly proud of what everyone has achieved this year.”
From thrilling inter-island victories to the promise of young talent, 2025 has been a year of triumph, growth and hope. And as Jersey Tennis and Padel look toward the next season, the future is bright – and busier than ever.
