The NSW ATP Cup Tennis Legacy Fund is an initiative established by Tennis NSW and the NSW Government, as a result of securing the ATP Cup Group and Finals matches in Sydney from 2020. The Fund will invest more than $5 million into community tennis over three years across four funding categories.
Thanks to the investment of the NSW Government through the ATP Cup Tennis Legacy Fund Category 4, Tennis NSW were able to develop and pilot a Diversity and Inclusion Play project aimed at reducing barriers and creating greater accessibility to tennis for people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) communities in NSW who are currently under-represented in the sport of Tennis.
The Merrylands Multicultural Girls Program is one of 5 pilots being conducted as part of the Play Program across NSW in 2021. The year six cohort from Hilltop Road Public School have had the opportunity to try tennis in a safe, friendly and supportive environment with their friends.
The six week program is delivered on school grounds from Tony Podesta Tennis Coaching during the girls PSSA Friday sport time. Additionally, the students received a new racquet, a set of tennis balls and the opportunity to continue their tennis journey at Tony Podesta Tennis Coaching in term 3, funded by the Play Program.
All students are progressing their skill level and their love for the game grows each week. “Can we play everyday? My Mum is signing me up to tennis when we finish” a student from Hilltop Road Public School said.
“Tennis NSW is committed to increasing opportunities for participation, promoting tennis as an inclusive sport and encouraging more people to play more tennis more often. The Legacy Fund will further promote the growth of the game at the grassroots level for people from all backgrounds.” Tennis NSW CEO Lawrence Robertson.
The program has displayed how we can create new experiences and pathways for school aged students for ongoing participation in the sport. It also gives a sense of belonging for students in communities that are currently under-represented in tennis.
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