20 March 2024 | Andrew Yazdani

With Term 1 well underway Western Australia’s largest tennis participation tournament containing 1,200 players from across the state, the SunSmart Schools Tennis Classic has been running throughout the months of February and March. 

The annual event run by Tennis West and School Sport WA with the support from Healthway promoting the SunSmart message was founded in 1935. The event is for primary and secondary schools across metro and regional areas that compete in local play-off teams-based events with the regional competitions held across the Great Southern, Upper Great Southern, Central Districts, Eastern Districts and Southwest zones. 

Tennis West’s Schools and Pathways Coordinator Radu Vaidean said he was impressed with this year’s edition of the tournament and highlighted the increased numbers in participation. 

“The SunSmart Schools Tennis Classic in 2024 has been huge success across both metro and regional WA, showcasing great talent with a positive increase of total players, teams and schools compared to previous years”.  

“We are delighted to foster the pathway for students to compete and represent their schools at local clubs through this historic event, and we hope it continues to highlight the importance of the classroom to clubhouse model. On behalf of Tennis West, we would also like to say a special thank you to Andrea Rundle, Davina Biglin and Royce Puccinelli for their assistance in delivering this year’s events.”   

Wickepin Primary School Teacher Kelly Steere was delighted with the chance the tournament gives to kids regardless of their experience playing tennis. 

“I love how this event provides opportunities for kids who are otherwise not exposed to tennis and how it encourages kids to give it a go.”  

There is still more to come this month with the finals scheduled for the end of the month.  

The Girls Slazenger Cup Premier Semi-Final is a Secondary School event will take place on Wednesday March 20th at the State Tennis Centre.  

On Friday, 22nd March the Country Academy Plate Final will feature the best Primary Schools in country WA at the State Tennis Centre. All winners and runner-up teams of regional Academy Plate play-off events are invited to compete at the Academy Plate Country Finals event in Perth, to be crowned overall Country Champion. It is a singles and doubles team event for Primary School students, played with modified balls on a full-sized court. 

To wrap up the SunSmart Schools Classic season, the Boys and Girls Slazenger Cup Final is a Secondary School event and will take place on Monday March 25th at State Tennis Centre. It is a singles and doubles team event for upper Secondary School students dating back to 1914. Played with yellow tennis balls, on a full- sized court. Applecross Senior High School has been most dominant, winning every year in the boy’s and girl’s competitions since 2018. 

SunSmart Schools Tennis Classic, supported by long standing Major Partner Heathway. The generous support of Healthway helps invigorate Tennis West’s school tennis program and provides resources to grow the game throughout Western Australia.