24 February 2026 | Tennis Victoria

The percentage of affiliated regional Victorian tennis clubs with a coach has increased from 31 per cent to 46 per cent in the first year of the Sustainable Regional Tennis (SRT) project, a significant lift in coaching capacity across regional communities.

Backed by a $1 million investment from Tennis Victoria, Tennis Australia and the Victorian Government, the Sustainable Regional Tennis project was launched in February 2025 with a clear focus: supporting people and investing in tennis in regional Victoria. One year on, that investment is delivering measurable results.

By strengthening the regional coaching workforce and building local capability, the project is creating stronger foundations for participation growth, volunteer development and long-term club sustainability.

2025 SRT Roadshow by the numbers

A key pillar of the project’s first year was the Sustainable Regional Tennis Roadshow, which travelled 1,831 kilometres across 13 regional locations, supported by 28 Tennis Victoria staff, coach developers and special guests.

The Roadshow engaged more than 1,000 attendees, delivered 17 on-court upskilling sessions and provided further training opportunities to 113 volunteers. More than 200 school students were also engaged throughout the program.

Volunteers continue to play a critical role in regional participation. With more than 1,000 hours of programming delivered in Term 4 2025 alone their importance within the regional tennis ecosystem is undeniable.

Tennis Victoria CEO Kim Kachel said the first year of the project has laid strong foundations for long-term growth.

“The progress we’ve made in year one is measurable and meaningful. Increasing the number of regional clubs with a coach from 31 to 46 per cent is a significant step forward,” Kachel said.

“This project is about backing the people who make tennis happen in regional communities. In year one we’ve strengthened support for volunteers and coaches and in 2026 we’ll build on that foundation to ensure they have the tools, training and confidence to keep local tennis thriving”

Community champion Brodie Meehan from Kerang Tennis Club has experienced the impact of the project firsthand. Through Sustainable Regional Tennis funding, he was able to complete coaching qualifications closer to home.

“I’ve been able to do the coaching course up in Bendigo. I live three hours away from Melbourne, so it’s made it a lot easier,” Meehan said.

“Being able to do the coaching course and all the other opportunities I’ve had has helped me go back to my club with more confidence in coaching the kids and making it more fun.”

“We’re definitely seeing more kids down there playing tennis, which has been great.”

The Sustainable Regional Tennis Roadshow will return in 2026, with dates and locations to be announced, building on the success and momentum of its inaugural year.

Year two of the SRT project will also include:

• A suite of regionally based trainee and coaching courses 
• AO Holiday Programs, including 22 days of funded programming across summer, engaging more than 360 regional children 
• Community Champions and a new Community Coach stream introduced for year two 
• Brand, digital and promotional support for coaches, alongside a dedicated signage uplift project 
• Flexible on- and off-court mentoring

The Club Services Officer (CSO) program will also continue in 2026, funded through the Sustainable Volunteer Workforce program. Delivered in partnership with Sport and Recreation Victoria, the CSO initiative supports the Victorian Government’s focus on strengthening volunteer capability and community sport sustainability.

Regional Victoria will also benefit from strong investment across the competition pathway in 2026, including upcoming events such as the 25K Grasscourt Championships in Yarrawonga, the Pro Tour events in Wodonga and Swan Hill, and the Victorian State Teams Championships – Pat Cash Cup in Horsham.

Momentum will continue into year two as Tennis Victoria, Tennis Australia and the Victorian Government further strengthen opportunities for regional communities.

Get Involved

For more information on the Roadshows and the Sustainable Regional Tennis project, visit: tennis.com.au/vic.