MPUMALANGA TENNIS ASSOCIATION

Mpumalanga Tennis Association LOTTO project launch

Mpumalanga Tennis Association held the report function of their LOTTO support project on Saturday 4 June 2011 at Middelburg Country Club.

Karel Jacobs, president of Mpumalanga Tennis did mention in his welcome speech that after a few applications Mpumalanga Tennis was successful in the application of 2009 to the LOTTO. This allocation made to Mpumalanga Tennis allows them to start a proper project to promote tennis in the province. They did apply for funding again in 2010 and a second allocation was done early 2011 by LOTTO.

A major part of the project included the identification of possible talented players between the ages of 7 and 10 years. More than 10 000 children in the province were exposed to the game of tennis so far. Talented players were invited to participate in local round robin tournaments through-out the province.

Mpumalanga Tennis would like to get the schools in the province involved in the project. The juniors are part of the school setup and this is where they start participating in sport. The importance of schools participation in leagues will find priority in the near future. Mpumalanga tennis will be a supporting base to current school structures.

Charl Basson, chairperson of the junior committee who will be in control of the management of the project mentioned that more coaches must get involved in coaching of tennis players to get maximum results. For this purpose LOTTO make an amount available for coaches training on different levels. Since the beginning of the project a total number of 69 coaches receive training to improve their coaching skills. Four play & stay coaching courses already took place in the province. Another three courses are already scheduled to take place during 2011. The first of these courses will be from 10 to 12 June in Nelspruit. While the coaching course in Middelburg will be from 19 – 21 August and the course in Secunda will be from 16 – 18 September. Persons who want to get involved in this project can contact Charl Basson on 0828568539.  

Two officiating courses were held during 2010 where 19 officials received training. They can now assist during tournaments as desk organizers or court officials. Persons who want to get involved can contact Johann Greyling on 0832298215.

The tennis clubs in Mpumalanga also benefited from this project. A number of tennis nets and court equipment were handed out during 2010. With this gesture Mpumalanga Tennis would like to thank all the clubs for their effort and willingness to make their courts and facilities available for tournaments and the development of the game.

The juniors in the province also took part in the festive day during a mini tennis tournament. The enthusiasm and joy on the young player’s faces deliver the proof of the successes that can be reached with this wonderful project.
  

Contact persons:
Charl Basson               cell: 082 8568539

Johann Greyling          cell: 083 229 8215

Mpumalanga Tennis Association LOTTO project launch Photos

MPUMALANGA TENNIS COACHES WORKSHOP: SATURDAY 28 AUGUST 2010

On Saturday 28 August 2010 the first coaches workshop of its kind was held at Middelburg Tennis Club.

This all formed part of the junior development program that was launched by Mpumalanga Tennis and with the support from the National Lottery Distribution Fund.

The workshop was combined with a junior clinic and round robin tournament for starter players in the under 10 age group. A number of 24 coaches and teachers that completed the play and stay course earlier in the year participated in the workshop.

The different game based situations were introduced to 47 children from the Western Mpumalanga region. Some great talent came out for the day and the children enjoyed the coaching thoroughly. Charl Basson,professional coach and Junior Chairman of the association presented the workshop. After the morning session of coaching and discussions with the coaches the kids were each treated with a hamburger and cooldrink for lunch. In the afternoon the kids went into a tough competition where each child played at least 10 matches.

Medals were awarded to the winners and players with good sportmanship. Afterwards the coaches had a wrap-up on the days activities.

There was general concensus that more workshops should be held to keep coaches informed and inspired for the huge task out in the field. The next workshop will take place on Saturday 9 October in Nelspruit. It will once again be combined with a junior clinic and coaches will get a chance to share some ideas on the development of the game.

PLAY & STAY COACHING COURSES

LOWVELD ROUND ROBIN AND MPUM ALANGA TENNIS OFFICIALS TRAINING