Tennis West has completed a meaningful and wide-reaching visit through Western Australia’s Mid West region, travelling 2,870 kilometres to connect with clubs, players, coaches, and community partners.
The journey brought together the heart of regional tennis, its people, and created space for conversations, learning, and long-term planning.
Over the course of the trip, the team engaged with 11 community tennis clubs, including Binnu, Yuna, Chapman Valley, Tarcoola Park, Eneabba, Geraldton Tennis Centre, Mullewa, Coorow, Kalbarri, Dongara, and Mingenew. Each stop provided an opportunity to listen, understand local needs, and explore ways to continue strengthening the sport across the region.
The visit also included seven HIT Chats and eight infrastructure audits, allowing clubs to share their aspirations while ensuring facilities remain safe, sustainable, and aligned with long-term development goals. Conversations with local governments in Perenjori and Mingenew, along with meetings with the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism & Sports in Geraldton and Kalbarri, helped reinforce partnerships that support facility growth and community participation.
Alongside community engagement, the trip featured a range of programs and development opportunities aimed at growing participation and identifying talent. Two Fuel to Go and Play Red Ball Carnivals, held across two clubs and five schools, introduced around 150 young players to the excitement and energy of tennis.
Additionally, a Regional Talent Series brought together 12 emerging athletes, five girls and seven boys, for competitive play and talent identification, fostering their development in a supportive environment.
Tennis West Regional Manager Colin Thomspon said getting the physical visits and connections with clubs, coaches, the Department of Cultural Industries, Tourism and Sport and local councils was an important first step in the new role.
“We’ve had a great start to the Regional Talent Series, with three events already completed in Broome, Narrogin, and Geraldton. We’re now looking ahead to the next seven events across regional WA, culminating in a final camp at the State Tennis Centre in late March.”
“The impact of this trip strengthened community relationships, assessed infrastructure needs, supported coach development and delivered participation opportunities for juniors,” said Colin.
Each conversation, whether on a court, in a clubroom, or around a council table, contributes to a stronger future for tennis across Western Australia. The enthusiasm of local volunteers, the curiosity of young players, and the dedication of regional coaches continues to shape a vibrant and connected tennis community.
Tennis West looks forward to returning to the Mid West and continuing this collaborative journey with clubs, players, and partners across the region.
Tennis West extends its thanks Healthway, Kinetic and MaxiBlock for their support of the Red Ball Competitions. And to the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sports for its ongoing support through the Regional Servicing grant.
Latest
WA