Potentially the most significant new initiative in Australian competition tennis takes its first steps in November 2011 with the pilot launch of the National Tennis League (NTL).
Tennis SA, Tennis West and Tennis Victoria are involved in this pilot competition that will see six local men’s and women’s teams involved locally in a six week season that has been carefully scheduled as not to conflict with currently existing competitions. The top two teams from each state will then meet in Melbourne during the second week of the Australian Open to participate in the National Playoff to determine the national champion teams.
Along with raising the profile of tennis on a national level, a primary objective of the NTL is to increase player income opportunities, and as such Tennis Australia is funding base player payments and team prize money tipped to be in excess of $50,000.
The vision of the NTL is highly ambitious and innovative, and as a pilot program, will be the start of a journey towards a fully fledged nation-wide league with eventual reach into the Asian region.
Tennis SA CEO, Alistair MacDonald, is excited at the prospect of the new league:
“Whilst we have been quietly confident of the potential of the National Tennis League, the recent interest from clubs, players and the media in the concept has been hugely encouraging and, even as a pilot program, we are looking to make an immediate impact on the sporting landscape.”
“There is a major attraction on numerous levels, including for clubs to be recognised as the elite in the nation, income opportunities for players and the National Playoff in Melbourne during the Australian Open is sure to be a special experience for all concerned.”
Due to the high level of interest that has already been generated, Tennis SA will be holding two information sessions next week for any interested players, clubs, coaches and other stakeholders:
Date: Monday August 1st
Times: Session 1 – 12.00-1.00pm OR Session 2 – 5.30-6.30pm
Venue: Tennis SA, Memorial Drive
RSVP: [email protected] or (08) 87224 8100
For further information please download the National Tennis League overview which has been circulated to clubs, associations and coaches or contact Ryan Peremiczko, Tournaments and Competitions on (08) 7224 8100.
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