Ballkids
NT Ballkids Program
In 2023 Tennis NT founded the first ever Northern Territory Ballkids Program. Ballkids play an integral role in ensuring that tennis tournaments run smoothly. NT Ballkids have been used on court during the back-to-back Mens Pro Tour events held in Darwin in September as well as some of our local event finals.
Our first ever NT Ballkid was selected in 2022 from our National Indigenous Carnival to be a part of the Australian Open. This was then repeated in 2023 with our second First Nations ballkid from the NT was selected to attend.
Tennis Australia also then launched the first Top Guns Program which saw our third NT ballkid selected for this program to also travel to Melbourne and be a part of the Australian Open.
Tennis NT Ballkids Program 2026/27
It’s not too late to get involved! We are seeking expression of interest for NT based kids who are interested in the opportunity of learning to become a ballkid for the remainder of 2026.
This will see NT kids have a possible opportunity to be selected to go to the Australian Open and ballkid professional matches, as well as other Summer of Tennis opportunities.
Ages 11-15 will be considered (including those who are currently aged 10, turning 11 in 2026).
How do I apply?
You can apply for the program by filling out this application form [HERE]
2026 Program Calendar
See below for the calendar of events for 2026. Please note that dates and times are subject to change.
Contact NT Ballkids Coordinator Ben Cunningham ([email protected]) for more information.
| Session |
Time and Location |
|
Training Session 3 |
Saturday 9th of May 10:30-12pm at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
| Training Session 4 |
Saturday 23rd of May 2-3:30pm at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
NT Open Final |
Sunday 24th of May at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
Training Session 5 |
Saturday 30th of May at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
J30 Darwin Junior International Finals |
Sunday 31st of May at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
| J60 NT Junior International Finals
(2x Singles Finals) |
Saturday 6th of June at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
Training Session 6 |
Saturday 20th of June at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
Training Session 7 |
Saturday 18th of July at Tennis Palmerston |
|
Training Session 8 |
Saturday 1st of August at Tennis Palmerston |
|
Training Session 9 |
Saturday 15th of August at Tennis Palmerston |
|
Training Session 10 |
Saturday 29th of August at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
Training Session 11 |
Saturday 12th of September at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
Training Session 12 |
Saturday 26th of September at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
Training Session 12 |
Saturday 3rd of October at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
M25 Darwin International Pro Tour Singles Final |
Sunday 4th of October at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
M25 NT International Pro Tour Singles Final |
Sunday 11th of October at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
|
Ballkids Graduation/AO Announcement |
Saturday 17th of October at the Darwin International Tennis Centre |
Pathways
First Nations Program – Children will be selected from the National Indigenous Carnival. Must be Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander.
Summer of Tennis Leadership Program – 1-2 high performing ballkids Selected by our NT ballkids Coordinator, based on performance throughout the year.
Other Summer of Tennis Events – During the Summer of Tennis, opportunities arise for extra ballkids to join the teams for the likes of the Adelaide International, Hobart International and United Cup events in January 2027.
Ballkids Careers – Tennis NT and other MA’s have built a pathway for ballkids that have aged out of the program and are looking to build their leadership skills by giving back to the sport they love. Ballkids supervisors are needed at all Summer of Tennis events, including the Australian Open.
Ballkids in action
The following video provides a demonstration of just some of the skills that you will need to help you become a ballkid – check them out!
Contact us
For more information about the NT Ballkids Program, please email [email protected].
NT