Meet 'Team Askew'

Within tennis we have become accustomed to the sporting siblings, the William sisters, the Bryan brothers and the Murray brothers, and there now could be another edition. However there are three of them; Emily, Amy and Beth help make up ‘team Askew’ and more importantly they are young British and extremely talented.

It is not sure that they will all make it in the senior game at this stage however they are making an impression on the county scene already, helping the Lancashire Ladies Team secure the Winter County Cup for only the second time in their history. That side was nicknamed ‘Team Askew’, as they tore apart the rest of the competition last weekend, with the help of the three sisters.

The team of sisters look destined to power on through the amateur game and into professional tennis. At the ages of 16, 15 and 13 and having already made appearances for their County and even Great Britain, it promises great things.

The girls were made in Liverpool but their tennis trade was bred in Lancashire at the highly regarded South Ribble Tennis and Fitness Centre in Preston (Click for Map). They have played at many clubs across the North West but this seems to be establishing itself as their home. Head Coach at the club Brendan McGuire believes they are at the right club, saying: “it is one of the best tennis clubs in the country. It’s been consistent in its performance. Top coaches, good friendly environment, so as far as centre’s go I would put it up there with the best.”

Support has come from the LTA to fund their programs. Demonstrating the LTA’s confidence and belief in the three girls, who are coached by different coaches within the club. Emily Askew is coached by Jane O’Donoghue, who featured at Wimbledon as a player, while Amy is coached by Danielle Hock, who is an experienced member of Lancashire Ladies team. The only player directly coached by head coach Brendan McGuire is the youngest Beth Askew, and is possibly the likeliest out of the three to make a big impression within the game.

However without tremendous support from their loving parent they may not even have a future within the game. It takes thousands of pounds to develop a winning player from age 5 to age 18 and a majority of the cash comes out of the parents pockets. But both Joanne and Cliff Askew have work tirelessly to get them were they are now and don’t look to be holding back. Coach Brendan McGuire said that especially the father, Cliff, has had the magic formula from the word go, as he takes a lot of time out to help find out what is best for his girls to be the best they can be.

I spoke to Brendan McGuire to find out what his view is on each of the girls.



Through this interview it has become clear that Beth Askew looks to on her way to the very top, perhaps following the footsteps of fellow Brit Laura Robson, who has made rapid rise in the professional game. Beth is ahead of her years, “exceptional for her age. I haven’t met a 13 year old talent who can hit a ball like Beth. She reads the game particularly well, she’s a special talent”: said the proud Coach.

Even though Beth has been singled out as the great hope of Lancashire and British Tennis, it is still possible to have all three together at the top. Emily like Brendan said needs to compete more and gain confidence from winning, as she no doubt has the ability. While Amy has already had success with the Great British Junior Fed Cup team and individually, winning National Championships, so if she can stay away from the injuries that are hindering her at the moment, then it is possible that the Tennis world will be hearing a lot more about ‘team Askew’.

By Geoff Berkeley