16 December 2021 | Tennis West

Aiming to get kids hitting the court and experiencing the fun and fitness of tennis, 2,090 primary school students participated in 12 SunSmart Red Ball Competitions held across both metropolitan and regional WA in Term 4.

Involving 63 schools, the mass participation SunSmart Red Ball Competition events were the culmination of weekly school-based tennis lessons facilitated by Tennis Australia coach members. In line with each schools’ physical education curriculum, students from Years 3–6 were taught key fundamental skills, game sense and the importance of good sportsmanship.

Tennis West Schools and Pathways Manager Ardian Fazliu said the aim of the game is fun and the engaging nature of SunSmart Red Ball Competitions can help spark a longer-term interest in tennis.

“Our SunSmart Red Ball Competitions provide students with a memorable first tennis experience, where playing with your mates in a fun, friendly and inclusive environment can lead to a lifelong engagement in the sport,” he said.

The interschool, team-based competitions act as a first touch point of the game for many students and ensures a fun and positive initial tennis experience. Aiming to facilitate pathways and connections for ongoing participation, each competition was managed by local coaches and held at local tennis clubs and venues across WA including Goldfields Tennis Club, Busselton Tennis Club, Blue Gum Park Tennis Club and Sorrento Tennis Club, supported by Tennis West.

“Tennis West partners with local schools, tennis coaches and tennis clubs to deliver events that inspire students and their families to transition into the local club environment to continue their involvement in tennis,” Ardian said.

“Our research has shown approximately 80% of students who participate in SunSmart Red Ball Competitions are brand new to tennis, therefore, providing a positive first tennis experience is critical in encouraging those students to become involved in the sport.”

Supported by Sporting Schools, the Tennis Australia’s Partner Schools Program allows for the delivery of tennis as part of the schools’ Health and Physical Education curriculum. Partner schools benefit from access to four weeks of curriculum aligned tennis lessons and equipment packs including modified racquets, low compression balls and modified nets.

To find out more about the Tennis Australia School Partner Program visit:

www.tennis.com.au/schools/partner-program or www.sportaus.gov.au/schools/schools/sports/tennis