Burnie TAS 7320, Australia, 25 September 2018 | Tennis Tasmania

Tennis participation levels in Tasmania are rising – and the biggest growth is in schools.

More than 17,000 Tasmanian primary school students had the opportunity to pick up a racquet and play in 2017-18, an impressive 37 per cent yearly increase. There are now 89 Tasmanian primary schools and five secondary schools delivering ANZ Tennis Hot Shots as part of their curriculum through the National Schools Partnership Program.

Devonport Primary School was recognised as a leader in this area at the 2018 Tasmanian Tennis Awards, receiving the Most Outstanding School award. The school, which has 330 students, offers tennis from kinder to grade six.

“It is nice to be recognised. We like to give our kids the opportunity to have a go at things, so winning this award is fantastic,” said Narelle Genge, the school’s health and physical education teacher.

> Tasmanian Tennis Award winners announced

Students at Devonport Primary School have embraced ANZ Tennis Hot Shots since its introduction two years ago. As well as playing tennis in physical educations lessons, almost half of the school’s students have taken part in a Lunchtime Tennis Club introduced this year.

“They love it,” Genge said.

Former world No.1 doubles player Todd Woodbridge has twice visited the school as part of the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Racquet Roadshow. His most recent visited was in May, where he distributed racquets to prep students and shared stories from his stellar career.

“He is just so inspirational and now all the kids want to be just like Todd,” Genge said.

The school has also developed a strong relationship with Devonport Tennis Club coach Gray Hillier, who runs lunchtime lessons and provides a pathway for interested students to continuing playing the sport outside of school hours. They are also actively seeking to increase inter-school participation opportunities in the North West region.