Going off the inspiration of the Women’s and Girls events held at the Australian Open in January; there are a fresh wave of opportunities for women and girls in the tennis space in the Territory. From social hits with friends to high-performance pathways and leadership development, our 2026 programs are designed to empower the next generation of female players and leaders.
READY 2 RALLY
EMPOWERING TEENAGE GIRLS THROUGH SOCIAL, INCLUSIVE TENNIS
Following a successful 2024 pilot in the NT, partnering with the STARS Foundation across 8 schools to deliver tennis in a fun, music-filled, and social environment, Tennis Australia is rolling out Ready 2 Rally nationally.
See the link to the LinkedIn post HERE
Co-designed with teenage girls, this program focuses on belonging and long-term participation rather than just competition. We are now looking for friendly, collaborative coaches to lead this movement in clubs and schools.
The Coach ‘Launch Subsidy’
To support your delivery, Tennis Australia is offering a one-off Launch Subsidy valued at $1,450.00. This covers one full program (2 x 6-week blocks) in 2026.
What’s included:
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- $750 Equipment Pack: Includes POP Tennis paddles.
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- $600 Deliverer Payment: ($300 per 6-week block, includes food allowance).
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- Comprehensive Resources: Delivery Guide playbook and 4 Activity Toolkits.
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- Training: Face-to-face workshops and online support.
Note: Coaches are encouraged to set a nominal participant fee to ensure long-term program sustainability.
Coach Requirements & Commitment
To be eligible for the subsidy and program delivery, coaches must:
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- Be a current TA Trainee or Qualified Coach member.
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- Complete training (Online module + Face-to-face workshop) in Term 1, 2026 – date coming soon.
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- Deliver 2 x 6-week blocks (minimum 8 girls per group) during 2026.
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- Provide healthy snacks at each session to foster the social environment.
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- Manage participant data, feedback, and sign a TA delivery contract.
Get Involved
Ready to make a real difference in girls’ sport and grow your club’s inclusive offering?
Submit your Expression of Interest HERE
Deadline by 28th of February 2026
#NOLIMITS GIRLS SQUAD
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE TALENT
The #NoLimits Girls Squad is an elite developmental program designed for talent-identified girls aged 8–10. Over the course of 12 months (4 terms), participants train together for one hour per week in a safe, fun, and high-energy environment at their local club.
The curriculum is specifically tailored to this age group, focusing on technical growth, teamwork, and the unique developmental needs of young female athletes.
2026 Participating Clubs & Coaches
We are proud to partner with the following clubs and expert coaches to deliver the #NoLimits program:
Contact your local club to learn more about how to participate!
| REGION | CLUB / VENUE | LEAD COACHES |
| Darwin | Darwin International Tennis Centre | Andy Bhardwaj & Ruth O’Brien |
| Palmerston | Tennis Palmerston | Alex Capill & Ashlyn Grigg |
| Gove | Gove Peninsula Tennis Club | Nicky Mayer & Alice Giallouris |
LEARN 2 LEAD
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GEN OF FEMALE LEADERS IN TENNIS
Learn 2 Lead is an eight-week leadership journey designed for young women aged 14–18. This program equips participants with the confidence and skills needed to drive meaningful change within their local tennis communities.
Following a successful 2025 debut—which saw participants from Darwin and Gove thrive under the guidance of local program lead Emily Carroll (Tennis NT) and mentor Helen Owies (Tennis Australia)—we are thrilled to bring the program back for 2026.
See the Facebook Post HERE
What to Expect
The program offers a flexible, high-impact learning environment including:
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- Blended Learning: A mix of engaging face-to-face workshops and online sessions.
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- Skill Building: Focus on leadership, community impact, and personal confidence.
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- Community Connection: Networking with like-minded young women across the territory.
Join the 2026 Cohort
Applications are now officially open! We are currently finalizing dates for the 2026 online and in-person workshops.
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- Who: Young women aged 14–18.
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- Apply Now: [Sign up HERE]
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- Learn More: Visit the Tennis Australia website [HERE] for further program details.
WOMEN LEADERS IN TENNIS
EMPOWERING THE VOICES THAT SHAPE OUR SPORT
Strong leadership from women is vital to creating inclusive environments and influencing local decision-making. The Women Leaders in Tennis program is designed to empower women to step into leadership roles through professional development, networking, and mentorship.
Since its national launch in 2022, over 540 women have participated in the program, gaining the practical skills needed to lead on and off the court. Tennis NT successfully graduated its second cohort in 2024, and we are excited to continue this momentum into 2026.
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- Who it’s for: Current or aspiring female leaders at clubs, associations, or in the community.
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- What you’ll gain: Practical leadership tools, increased confidence, and a network of like-minded women.
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- 2026 Intake: Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in October 2026.
Applications for the 2026 intake will open in October this year.
READY TO GET INVOLVED?
Whether you are a coach looking to grow your club, a young player ready to lead, or a parent seeking a supportive environment for your daughter, there is a place for you in our 2026 programs.
If any of these initiatives have sparked your interest or you have questions about how to get started, please reach out to Grace Henderson, Tennis NT’s Women & Girls Lead:
Contact: [email protected]
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