VITI Tennis Academy head coach Ayesha Ashley is hoping the young players coming through the academy can develop into Fiji’s next generation of elite tennis players.
Ashley said her vision was not only focused on the players’ development over the next few months, but on seeing them progress over the next five to 10 years and eventually represent Fiji on the international stage.
“I want to see these kids in five years or 10 years developing, becoming professionals and elite players, representing Fiji in other countries, playing tournaments and going on tours,” Ashley said.
She said she was particularly encouraged by the growing number of girls taking up tennis at the academy.
According to Ashley, the number of girls participating has increased significantly, with girls now making up a much larger proportion of the academy’s young players compared to previous years.
“Before, it used to be more boys, but now it is vice versa,” she said.
Ashley believes the growth among young girls could provide a strong pathway for future national representatives and even coaches.
“There are some girls here who are upcoming, maybe future coaches, and boys as well,” she said.
The academy caters for players from about eight years old through to teenagers, with many of its players balancing tennis with their school commitments.
Ashley said the commitment shown by the young players had been encouraging, particularly as many were Year Eight students preparing for examinations in October.
“They must manage their time, their studies and most of them are in Year Eight.
“The exams are coming up in October,” she said.
“They are fully prepared and they are balancing both tennis and studies and home and all of this.”
However, Ashley said one of the challenges she faced as a coach was managing the expectations and pressure placed on young players by some parents.
She urged parents to allow coaches to guide their children and give the players time to enjoy the sport before placing expectations on them to become professional athletes.
“Mostly the parents, they pressure their kids a lot,” Ashley said.
“My suggestion to the parents is let your kids play on the court, let the coach do their job and let the kids play and enjoy first.
“If they want to be pros and elites, it will take a bit of time. Don’t pressure your kids.”
Ashley also believes grassroots development through schools will be important in growing tennis in Fiji.
The academy conducts introductory tennis sessions in schools and encourages teachers and physical education teachers to expose students to the sport.
She said schools could play an important role in identifying young players who have an interest and potential in tennis.
“We do a lot of sessions in schools. I advise teachers and PE teachers for the kids to participate in tennis if they want,” she said.
The Viti Tennis Academy is approaching a decade since it was established, and Ashley said its future plans include creating more opportunities for young players to gain international exposure.
She said players were being prepared for overseas tours, scholarships and university opportunities, while the academy also hoped to create opportunities for international players to visit Fiji and train alongside local players.
“There’s a lot of things happening around.
“Kids are preparing for tours, kids are preparing to go overseas for scholarships and universities,” she said.
“My plan is to do something with tennis where kids can come from overseas and participate here with Fiji kids.”
Ashley said one of her greatest ambitions would be to see more academy players represent Fiji at international tournaments.
Some of her players have already travelled on small tours and worn Fiji jerseys, which she said was a proud moment for the academy.
“It is very good to see that as well,” she said.
Ashley also acknowledged the support of parents, teachers and players who continue to contribute to the growth of tennis.
She believes continued support from the wider tennis community will be vital as young players pursue their dreams.
“I just like to thank everyone who is participating in tennis, especially the parents and teachers and players here as well,” Ashley said.
“It is very good to see that your parents are supporting you.”
For Ashley, the goal is clear — to create a pathway where today’s young tennis players can become tomorrow’s national representatives.
Viti Tennis Academy head coach Ayesha Ashley, standing right, with her team members at the Nadi Sports Club Tennis court. Picture: KATA KOLI
Ayesha Ashley.
Picture: KATA KOLI
Members of the Viti Tennis Academy strike a pose for the camera. Picture: VITI TENNIS ACADEMY/META
A young tennis player sets his eyes on the tennis ball at the academy. Picture: VITI TENNIS ACADEMY/META
