Tennis SA has today launched an exciting new initiative, Road to the Regions, designed to boost tennis participation and growth across regional South Australia.
Part of Tennis Australia’s newly established Growth Fund, Road to the Regions will see tennis hit the road with a year-long “on tour” style campaign, bringing the sport to six major regional towns. The initiative will begin at the State Foundation Cup in Berri this October and will follow with a major tennis event hosted in each of the six regions that competed in the competition. The tour will conclude in October 2026, ready to launch into the 2026 State Foundation Cup.
By taking tennis “on tour,” Road to the Regions will ensure that regional towns remain engaged year-round, while shining a spotlight on community participation, player development, and the vibrant tennis culture that thrives outside metropolitan areas. Importantly, the initiative aims to inspire the next generation of country players, providing opportunities for young people to connect with the sport and see a pathway for their own tennis journeys.
Tennis SA are also proud to announce David Grainger as the Tennis Development & Pathways Coach for Regional SA. David has come on board specifically for the Road to the Regions campaign and will work closely with the Tennis SA team and the six regions in strengthening the pathway for regional tennis players moving forward.
“I am proud to see this initiative come to life. Road to the Regions is about creating opportunities for people in regional towns to engage with tennis, whether that’s through playing, watching, or being part of their local club community,” said Corey Tugwell, Acting Government Relations & Venue’s Manager; Tennis Development Officer (North).
“This initiative will help boost participation and continue to drive the growth of tennis across South Australia’s regions” concluded Tugwell.
The launch of the program will be headlined by South Australian star Luke Saville, who is thrilled to be supporting the initiative and will feature in on-court appearances, media opportunities, and community activities as the campaign’s first ambassador.
“Having grown up in regional South Australia, I know first-hand how important these opportunities are,” said Saville.
“I’m really excited to be involved in Road to the Regions and to support the communities that have always been such a big part of my journey.”
Tennis SA CEO Debbie Sterrey said the initiative will play a key role in regional engagement.
“This is a really exciting initiative for Tennis SA and for regional South Australia” said Sterrey.
“Road to the Regions will take the sport directly into communities, giving people of all ages the chance to be part of something special. We know tennis has always been strong in the country, and this initiative will help it thrive for years to come” Sterrey concluded.
The Road to the Regions launch will be celebrated at the State Foundation Cup in Berri from 7-10 October with a community fun day, a launch dinner, and the first “on tour” activation. From there, the initiative will travel across Hills Fleurieu, River Murray, Eyre Peninsula, Upper Northern and Yorke, Lower Northern and South East throughout the year, offering events, activations, and grassroots engagement activities before returning to Berri for the 2026 State Foundation Cup.
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