As President of Yorkshire Tennis and Padel, being invited to the prestigious Fagel Canning Cup in Holland from February 7th-9th was an experience I had to have. The members of Bubwith Tennis Club, led by Chairman Shaun Pinchbeck (England’s captain), graciously organized the entire weekend, alongside Ad Klabbers, a former Bubwith member who is now back in his native Holland and the captain of the Dutch team. This event has been an annual tennis doubles competition since 2015, with 2025 marking the trip to Holland.
Taking the party ferry to Rotterdam was a fun start, and we made our way through passport control in Holland with tennis rackets in our backpacks. Ad had arranged tickets to the Rotterdam Open on the Saturday, followed by an evening meal for all players before the big match on Sunday in Amsterdam. The Dutch team kindly hosted us overnight, and we all travelled to Home Farm, a four-court indoor facility. This year, the series was closely poised at 4-3 in favour of England. Unfortunately, Ad was able to call upon some highly skilled young players, who, despite the England team’s extra experience, proved too strong. The doubles matches were competitive yet friendly, featuring incredible play and some unforgettable points. Afterwards, our Dutch friends took us on a tourist afternoon in Amsterdam before we headed back on the not-so-party ferry to Hull.
Everyone is eagerly looking forward to welcoming Holland to Bubwith in 2026, and we’re hopeful that we can tie it in with taking our friends to the Ilkley Challenger!
Karen Mitchell
Yorkshire Tennis & Padel President
