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27 February 2026 | Tennis NT

Tennis in the Northern Territory is served a bright future this month as Tennis NT’s Talent and Coach Developer, Martin Rocca, completed a successful tour to bolster the local coaching ranks. From the Red Centre to the Top End, the energy is shifting toward a more sustainable, coach-led future for the sport.

Alice Springs

The journey began the first weekend of February at the Alice Springs Tennis Association. For regional clubs, local coaches are the lifeblood of the community. Martin’s visit focused on a Trainee Coaching Course, designed to be the first step for those looking to turn their passion for the game into a profession or passionate side hustle.

The result? Three newly qualified trainee coaches are now officially part of the Alice Springs team. This isn’t just about adding names to a list – it’s about building a foundation for increased club participation and ensuring that players in Alice have access to high-quality, local mentorship.

Darwin / Palmerston

Continuing north to the Darwin International Tennis Centre, the energy was equally high. After an intensive session, six more participants successfully graduated from the program on the 22nd of February.

Among the participants was a familiar face in the NT tennis community: Andres Riffo Luco. Despite his experience, Andres chose to complete the course again – a testament to his immense passion for the sport and his “student of the game” mentality.

Andres is coming off an incredible high after recently representing the Territory at the Australian Open 2026 Global Coaching Conference in Melbourne. Having rubbed shoulders with world-class experts and tennis legends, Andres is bringing that global inspiration back to our local courts. His dedication serves as a reminder that the coaching journey is one of constant growth and inspiration.

The Path Ahead: Leveling Up

While the Trainee course is a monumental first step, it is only the beginning. These newly qualified coaches now have their sights set on the next milestone: The Development Level 1 Course. By investing in these individuals, Tennis NT is ensuring that the next generation of players has the guidance they need to succeed on and off the court.

Join the Team!

Are you ready to turn your love for tennis into a career? Whether you’re a former player looking to give back or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, there is a place for you in our coaching pathway.

Contact us on 08 8981 5609 or [email protected] for more information.