Kilmore Tennis Club’s Tennis for Teens program has earned it the title of Tennis Victoria’s affiliate club of the month for September.
The club has worked hard at increasing youth engagement by introducing a junior committee for teenagers to get involved in club operations and run their own programs, with help and guidance from the club committee.
The junior committee is driving a move towards an inclusive environment where people are encouraged to get involved regardless of their tennis ability. They are also taking initiative running social events like movie nights.
Club president and coach Gavin Moreira said being named affiliate of the month was encouraging for the junior committee.
“It’s very positive. It gives the kids a bit of recognition for the program that’s been developed through the club and especially now they’ve sort of got ownership of it,” he said.
“Every club is in the same boat post-COVID, they all need to try and increase their numbers on the court, but these guys want to do things off the court as well.
“If the kids are at the club longer, it can only mean success down the track.”
The club hopes members of the junior committee can also learn skills in leadership and management to allow them to become involved with the club committee when they get older.
Mr Moreira said he was grateful for the support from Tennis Victoria and hoped the program could continue to expand to other clubs in the area and across the state.
“There is talk in Tennis Victoria of forming a youth advisory committee and they’re trying to get participants from clubs all around Victoria, so that’s something we can expand on locally and then try to take it statewide,” he said.
For more information or to get in touch with Kilmore Tennis Club, phone Gavin Moreira on 0419 549 107.