Schools development programs have been a good source of talent for Tennis Fiji as more young players join the sport.
President Rimal Patel said that this is one of the power moves that the Suva Tennis Association has when it comes to boasting numbers during competitions.
“What they do is provide funding for children that come from schools, and they can have a go at tennis. Then a percentage of them will take it on to take professional coaching while pursuing their younger days of playing tennis in the junior events,” he said.
Children who show interest and have passion for tennis will undergo professional training with qualified local coaches.
They will also have the chance to be part of junior level competitions both locally and internationally.
“It all starts from the school level because where else would you get these young people from. When they are engaged then the trainers will say that these four or five children have got the natural ability to play the sport so then they get channeled through to professional coaches that are here.”
This was proven during the Vodafone Suva Open Tennis Championship last month where a huge number of participants were recorded.
