TENNIS
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THE early summer weather was the perfect setting for the almost 200 children who aced the Tennis Camp at Trealoar Park over the school holidays.
In his 15 years at the club professional Jarrod Campbell has never seen the numbers at this level.
“I think it is the largest group ever to come through the camp,” Campbell said.
“These camps are often the starting point for future stars of the game. It is good just to see this many kids staying active.”
The camps cater for juniors aged 4 years to 18 years of age, from raw beginner through to nationally ranked elite players, with the groups split after the frist day into age groups and standards.
Some learn the basics with modified equipment and courts, while at the other end of the scale players are put through four days of intense match play, drills and tactical training.
“Teaching the new kids the correct grips and developing a swing pattern is what we concentrate on while the older players are pushed to expand their games,” Campbell said.
Every year the camp has the major prize of a new tennis racquet, and this term Ryan Simpfendorfer and Noah Brown will be returning to school with a new raquet after taking the gong in weeks one and two respectively.
Fridays at the camp are presentation day where the final matches are played and the points tallied for the week. The entire group is split into four on the first day and then matches are tallied with points throughout the camp.
“It’s a great way for the kids to have fun throughout the week trying to get their team into first place,” Campbell said.
“There are lots of other fun games that the players love as well which are aimed at enjoyment and developing their skills,” Campbell said that junior tennis is in great shape in Tamworth and across the region, with numbers steadily growing in all towns and Academies.
“It’s a great time of year to be active and The Northwest Tennis Academy is still taking enrolments for its term 4 programs for anyone interested in getting into tennis.”