Tennis program for children

A local tennis school is "leading the way in the Gosford district" as one of the first centres to take part in a national tennis program for children.

The program is Tennis Australia's children's starter program and focuses on children "playing the game of tennis from their first experience".

It is a playing format designed to be delivered by coaches, clubs or schools and involves modified formats and modified playing equipment, according to Tennis NSW.

The students from Peninsula School of Tennis and Ettalong Public School were amongst the first students on the Central Coast to experience the program aimed at enhancing a player's early tennis experience by allowing them to play the game of tennis in an easy environment.

Peninsula School of Tennis centre manager Mr Neil Packer said he planned to expand the program, claiming that it was of "particular benefit" for developing the club's relationships with local schools.

Tennis Australia aims to have 500 program providers in place by the end of the year.

Any schools, clubs or coaches interested in becoming involved in the program should contact Tennis NSW community tennis officer Hamish Neal by e-mail on hneal@tennis.com.au or by calling 0403 046 401.

Press release, 5 May 2008 Hamish Neal, Tennis NSW