The Tennis West participation returned to the Kimberley for another few weeks engaging with local schools, tennis clubs, coaches, and deliverers to the wider communities of Halls Creek and Kununurra.
Thank you to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Lotterywest for their ongoing support of Tennis in Western Australia.
With a series of events and workshops scheduled throughout the week, the regional trip was aimed at increasing Tennis West’s presence in regional areas to service, support and sustain our sport.
The trip started at Halls Creek where the team ran coaching workshops, junior clinics, a cardio session, and a visit to Warlawurru (Red Hill) Catholic Primary School. It was the first time Tennis West has been present in Halls Creek. The kids showed so much enthusiasm participating in what was, for most of them, their first tennis experience. This was also the final leg of lead-in events for National Indigenous Tennis Carnival to be held in Darwin in August.
The action-packed week in Kununurra began on Thursday 1st June at East Kimberley College, where the Tennis West team delivered sessions to five classes, comprising students from years 1 to 4. A total of 111 eager students participated, immersing themselves in various exercises and games designed to enhance their physical abilities and foster teamwork.
The following day, the team continued their mission at East Kimberley College, this time focusing on five classes ranging from years 8 to 10. A total of 85 students took part in the sessions, experiencing the benefits of an active lifestyle while also learning important life skills such as discipline and perseverance.
Monday 5th June saw the Tennis for All Activation Day taking place at the Kununurra Tennis Club, catering to children aged 5 to 12. The event was a resounding success, with 32 kids participating in drill-based and match-based sessions. The young tennis enthusiasts had the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete in friendly matches. Additionally, seven club volunteers attended the Introduction to Hotshots Community Coaching Workshop, equipping them with valuable knowledge and tools to promote tennis within their community.
The excitement continued on Tuesday with the Intraschool Red Ball Competition held at the Kununurra Tennis Club in collaboration with East Kimberley College. This friendly competition involved students from years 4 and 5, totalling 60 participants. The event allowed for healthy competition among the students, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship.
Later in the day, the Tennis West team conducted a Club Coaching Afternoon at the Kununurra Tennis Club. Open to students from year one to high school, a total of 42 kids honed their tennis skills under the guidance of coaches. The session provided an excellent opportunity for young players to improve their technique and receive valuable feedback.
As the sun began to set, Tennis West hosted a Cardio Tennis Session, with 22 attendees taking part in this energetic and fun-filled workout. Cardio Tennis combines tennis drills with cardiovascular exercises, offering a fantastic way to stay fit while having a great time on the court.
The next day, the team visited St. Joseph’s Catholic School, delivering physical education sessions to four classes comprising students from years 4, 10, PP, and 12. A total of 52 students enthusiastically participated, engaging in various activities.
In addition to the school-based activities, the week also included a Teacher Professional Development (PD) session at East Kimberley College, aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of three secondary school teachers. This session empowered the teachers with effective techniques and strategies to engage students in physical education, ensuring their continued growth and learning.
The eventful week concluded on Thursday with the team visiting St. Joseph’s Catholic School once again, delivering Physical Education sessions to three classes spanning years 2, 1, 5, and 6. A total of 69 students eagerly participated, embracing the opportunity to enhance their physical abilities and develop a lifelong appreciation for sports and fitness.
Tennis West Development Lead for Regional North Sam Gulliver highlighted the success of the trip and enjoyed getting out to the schools and tennis clubs in the Kimberley.
“Seeing the talent and passion from the community and students really brought a smile to my face. It was the perfect classroom to clubhouse model that Tennis West strives to achieve on every regional roadshow.”
“Having the club and school working together to give students the opportunity to not only try tennis at school but also in a club setting was fantastic to see. I look forward to working with the club over the next 12 months to achieve more tennis in the community and strengthen that classroom to clubhouse model,” said Sam.
Tennis West has visited every region already this year visiting schools, running Red Ball Competitions, coaching workshops, junior clinics and cardio sessions.
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