3 April 2012 | Tennis Victoria

Danielle Borle, the Head Coach at Melton South Tennis Club was awarded the 5 Star Community Coach Award for Term 1, 2011 by the Active After-school Communities Program (AASC). It was a great achievement considering the award was not tennis specific and she was up against coaches from all of the other sports who participate in the program.

Danielle delivered tennis at two sites in the western region during Term 1, 2011 which resulted in 31 children being recruited into her club and academy tennis programs.

Sessions for the three schools involved ran for seven weeks and since joining the AASC program almost four years ago, the club has had over 115 children enrol in the club’s programs and/or take up competition tennis. More significantly for the sport, Danielle’s work with over 17 schools in the past 12 months has resulted in over 250 children taking up the sport of tennis in the area.

To make sure the club can promote their products and services, Danielle ensures at least three club members attend every session.

As a reward for the kids, Danielle took 10 children, identified through the AASC program to the Australian Open to participate in the MLC Tennis Hot Shots showcase. Parents got the opportunity to watch their children participate in a 15 minute on-court presentation in addition to all getting to watch a full day of tennis.

“I think the MLC Tennis Hot Shots program is fantastic! All coaches should be utilising the modified ball and modified courts as part of their program as it’s easy for the kids to learn and play tennis,” said Borle.

“I think MLC Tennis Hot Shots has reinvented the game of tennis and also everyone’s perception about a tennis lesson and tennis program. The students learn to rally quicker and for longer, which ultimately means the kids have more fun and are more likely to stay with the sport!”