Melbourne, Australia, 13 March 2013 | tennis.com.au

Tennis Come and Try Days will commence this weekend in Victoria, giving Indigenous kids aged five to 15 the chance to pick up a racquet, have fun and give tennis a real go.

The Tennis Come and Try Days form part of Learn Earn Legend!, an Australian Government initiative designed to encourage and support young Indigenous Australians to stay at school, get a job and be a legend for themselves, their family and their community.

Australian Tennis Legend Evonne Goolagong is a Learn Earn Legend! ambassador said that the Tennis Come and Try Days could potentially pave the way for many sporting opportunities for young Indigenous kids.

“Our coaches are looking for kids who display enthusiasm, determination and a willingness to improve themselves given half a chance,” she said.

“Some youngsters from each Tennis Come and Try day may be selected to receive equipment and further coaching. These boys and girls will be encouraged and expected to attend their school and their tennis sessions. This will give them the opportunity to be selected to attend a joint Goolagong, TA state development camp.

“Participants at the State Camp level may also be chosen to attend the Goolagong National Development Camp held in Melbourne each January during the first week of the Australian Open.”

The dates, times and locations of the Victorian Tennis Come and Try Days are as follows:

• Shepparton: Sunday 17 March – 10.00am to 2.30pm – McEwen Reserve Tennis Club, Packham Street, Shepparton
• Swan Hill: Wednesday 20 March  – 10.00am to 2.30pm – Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club, Yana Street, Swan Hill
• Warrnambool: Friday 22 March – 10.00am to 2.30pm – Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club, 33-45 Pertrobe Rd, Warrnambool
• Sale: Sunday 24 March – 10.00am to 2.30pm – Sale Tennis Club, Stephenson Park, off Guthridge Parade, Sale
• Bairnsdale: Monday 25 March – 10.00am to 2.30pm – Bairnsdale Tennis Club, Cnr Pearson and Ligar Streets, Bairnsdale

Visit the Indigenous tennis page for more information – including how to register – for 2013 Tennis Come and Try Days.