20 November 2017 | Tennis West

The Mastercard Hopman Cup’s 30 schools in 30 days tour visited Noranda last Friday, where more than 300 Year 5 and 6 students from 13 different schools across Perth were playing in the Catholic Primary School Sporting Association (CPSSA) Red Ball Gala.

 

Thirty-three teams were split across five pools and 56 Red Ball tennis courts. As part of the day, students played mixed doubles to celebrate the Mastercard Hopman Cup’s 30-year milestone.

 

The competition was the largest Red Ball Gala to held in Australia.

 

The Mastercard Hopman Cup’s brand new mascot, ‘Hoppy’ the Quokka, made a special appearance on the day as well as the prestigious Hopman Cup trophy.

 

Tennis West Schools Coordinator Jason Marrable is thrilled with the level of interest and excitement that this event and the wider tour has generated across the school community in WA.

 

“This competition provides the perfect opportunity for students who participate in the ANZ Tennis Hot Shots program to put their newly acquired skills to the test in a fun and supportive environment,” Marrable said.

 

Further information

 

During the month of November the Mastercard Hopman Cup will visit 30 schools in 30 days to celebrate 30 years of the tournament in 2018.

 

This month more than 1500 students in schools and inter-school tennis competitions across Perth and the South West region of Western Australia will be involved.

 

Children will be able to get up close and personal with the Hopman Cup trophy and meet the tournament’s new mascot ‘Hoppy’ the Quokka.

 

Kids will also have the opportunity to pick up a racquet and play ANZ Tennis Hot Shots, Tennis Australia’s official development program, and learn more about the history of the tournament.

 

Children can attend the Mastercard Hopman Cup in 2018 for just $5 during the day and $10 for all night sessions excluding the final in a move to welcome more young tennis fans to Perth Arena and give kids the opportunity to watch some of the best players in the world compete

 

All schools taking part in the tour are currently running tennis within their school curriculum as part of Tennis Australia’s School Partnership Program. There are 289 partner schools alone in Western Australia after some unprecedented growth throughout the state in the past 12 months.

 

Nationally, more than 2420 schools include ANZ Tennis Hot Shots as part of their health and physical education curriculum with tennis now recognised as the number one delivered Australian Sports Commission Sporting Schools Program in Australia.

 

Tennis West CEO and Hopman Cup General Manager Michael Roberts believes the 30 schools in 30 days tour is a fantastic way to support the link between tennis and one of Perth’s prestigious sporting events.

 

“Tennis in WA is currently thriving through the School Partnership Program which fosters a relationship between schools and the local community,” Roberts said.

 

“The tour aims to not only reward the schools that have taken part in this program, but also create a link to the tournament so that these students can see some of the best players in the world right here in Perth for as little as $5.”

 

“Best of all, it is these top ranked players who will ultimately inspire students to continue their journey in our great sport.”

 

Dates for each school visit are as follows:

 

3 November	Ardross Primary School
3 November	North Perth Primary School
6 November	Kardinya Primary School
6 November	Wembley Primary School
9 November	Landsdale Primary School
10 November	Madeley Primary School
13 November	South West Tour (Dunsborough, Geographe and more)
17 November	Catholic Primary School Sports Association Red Ball Gala, Noranda (13 schools)
20 November	Regent College
21 November	Mosman Park Primary School
22 November	Rosalie Primary School
24 November	Schools Hopman Cup Tournament (4-5 Secondary schools)
27 November	Hollywood Primary School
30 November	Riverton Primary School
1 December	Sorrento Red Ball Challenge (5-6 schools)