7 April 2021 | Tennis Victoria

After a year on the sidelines, Tennis Victoria, alongside local coaches and council staff, were delighted to run a series of Come and Try days for approximately 100 secondary students from eight specialist schools around the state.

The kids were put through their paces with a series of fun and challenging activities, from team building challenges to match play!

The program first launched in 2019 and was made possible by funding from the Movement Disorder Foundation (MDF). Like most activities, COVID-19 put the program on hold, so both Tennis Victoria and the kids were beyond excited to get back on court this year!

The focus of these programs are to build sustainable regional programs that provide a rewarding tennis experience for students and teachers at Specialist & Hard of Hearing schools, and to create long-term sustainable partnerships between schools, clubs and coaches whilst removing perceived barriers to participation and engagement.

Helen Owies, Tennis Victoria’s School Development Coordinator for the Metro Inner & North West was pleased with the feedback from teachers and students following the program’s conclusion.

“Many were asking how their school could experience this again and a couple of schools who don’t currently have a connection with a local tennis club or coach were linked with a coach who was also on court both days.”

Each child was presented with a new tennis racquet and ball so they can continue to practice and play with family and friends – just in time for school holidays!

We would like to thank both Wyndham and Yarra Councils for their support. Both Tennis Clubs for making their courts available and the teachers and their support staff for their engagement and involvement in both days.