29 November 2016 | Tennis West

Wembley Primary School have proudly flown the flag for WA, taking out the 2016 Most Outstanding School Award at the Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards, held at Crown Palladium in Melbourne last night.

 

Despite tough competition from Brookfield State School (QLD) and former winner, Nightcliff Primary School (NT), Wembley Primary School were betsowed the coveted title and were presented with the first award of the evening by Fed Cup Captain and ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Ambassador, Alicia Molik.

 

Wembley Primary School’s Physical Education Specialist, Mr Lee Stringer, made the trip to Melbourne and proudly accepted the award on behalf of the school.

 

“We are absolutely thrilled to win this prestigious award. We have a fantatsic tennis program at the school, and it is great that this has been recognised not only at a state level, but also nationally” Mr Stringer said.

 

“Wembley PS is a committed and active school in developing and fostering tennis for all students. We have a strong development pathway with a local club, tennis in the curriculum and strong partnerships with Tennis Australia and Sporting Schools”

 

“We would like to sincerely thank Tennis West and Tennis Australia for their support of tennis in the school curriculum as we continue to develop the potential of all our students in the game of tennis”.

 

Wembley Primary School joined the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots program in 2013 and is continuing to grow and provide its students with the opportunity to play tennis at school as well as their local club – Floreat Tennis Club.

 

Over the past three years Wembley Primary School has formed a strong relationship with Floreat Tennis Club, whereby the club offers before-school coaching, and in-school coaching, use of their courts, as well as professional development. This link between school and club has led to a 400% increase in before-school sport, with 235 students now regularly attending the hour long lessons, 33 of which, are personally funded by the school via a scholarship targeted at students who had no previous tennis experience.

 

In conjunction with Tennis Australia’s ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Program, Wembley Primary School has been able to supply all students with free Hot Shots t-shirts, and all kindergarten students with free tennis racquets.

 

At a performance level, Wembley Primary School are also excelling. After winning the 2015 Primary School Teams Tennis State Championships in Perth, they were invited to the 2015 ANZ Tennis Hot Shots Primary School National Championships in Melbourne, where the students reached the preliminary finals and finished fourth overall.

 

In 2016, Wembley defended the Primary School Teams Tennis State Championships winning the Boys Division and the Mixed Division

 

Tennis West CEO, Michael Roberts is pleased the school has been acknowledged for their contribution to grassroots tennis in WA.

 

“This school sets a perfect example of how to engage young children in tennis, and keep them motivated to remain in the sport through forming links with their local club and coach. Wembley PS are an extremely deserving winner, and it is great to see all of their hardwork and dedication recognised at a national level.” Mr Roberts said.
The Newcombe Medal is the premier award presented on a night that recognises players, coaches, clubs, communities, volunteers and officials for their service to the sport. The awards ceremony has been held annually since 2010.