![](https://www.tennis.com.au/wa/files/2021/03/20210216_154754-700x450.jpg)
As part of the Federal Government’s $12M funding for women and girls in tennis initiatives and programs, Tennis West have engaged female participants from Clontarf Aboriginal College with the state based Sheroes pilot launched in February.
Set to be held throughout term one and led by Tennis West Club Development Officer Kay-Leigh Nicholas and Tennis West Project Lead Paula Gates, the program aims to empower, mentor, upskill and create opportunities in tennis; with indigenous female students from year 10 introduced to the initiatives Community Leadership program.
Intended to equip participants with a number of transferable skills and to increase confidence levels across the group, Nicholas says that she hopes participants will look to return home with new found skills for the delivery of tennis within local communities.
“The focus of the Tennis West Sheroes program is to work with the girls across a number of skill sets,”
“The first few weeks will see the girls on court for hands on group coaching sessions, which will then be followed by two weeks of guest speaker sessions where the girls will hear from female leaders about wellbeing, leadership and career development,”
“The final week will culminate with the participants assisting in the delivery of a number of club based Red Ball Competitions and will allow the girls to put what they’ve learnt into practice,”
“What we’re most excited about though, is seeing the programs impact in the wider community. What we hope is that the girls walk away with the knowledge, skills and confidence to see a career in tennis as a viable option and choice,” Nicholas said.
Funding for the project, which stands as one of a kind across all Tennis Australia state-based Member Associations, was granted to Tennis West following an extensive application and approval process, and ongoing program collaboration with Clontarf Aboriginal College.
For more information about the Federal Governments $12M Tennis Australia funding boost for women and girls in sport, follow here: https://bit.ly/2OvPtzs
Clontarf Aboriginal College is a place of learning and understanding that respects Aboriginal culture and spirituality and encourages students to reach their dreams. To find out more head to: http://www.clontarf.wa.edu.au/