Through the Latrobe Health Assembly Health Innovation Grants Programs, G&S Tennis Academy have been provided with funding to undertake a ‘Girls in Tennis’ program with local primary schools to encourage participation in junior sports and boost the profile of women’s tennis.
The program aims to introduce grade 5/6 girls to the sport of tennis through a series of development sessions that focuses on basic strokes and serves, the rules of the game and culminates in team match play. As an added bonus for the young girls, those who participate can qualify to keep the tennis racket provided as part of the program to assist in their ongoing tennis development.
Sally Kristine, professional tennis coach with G&S Tennis Academy said: “In my role as President of the Latrobe Valley Junior Tennis Association, I have noticed over recent years that there has been a massive decline in the number of girls participating in junior tennis. This is very concerning, as in the past tennis has been a sport that the girls found appealing. Girls need to have a social connection to the sport and many girls don’t fit in to large team sports – so there is a need to offer a sport that provides a safe, social environment that is inclusive of all participants. I feel this tennis program offers that.”
The Latrobe Health Assembly has funded 22 other community-lead projects under its Health Innovation Grants Program. The Latrobe Health Assembly launched its first Health Innovation Grants program, with the goal of providing an opportunity for community groups and individuals to bring together their ideas to help improve health and wellbeing in the Latrobe Valley.
The second round of Health Innovation Grants is due to commence in October 2018 with information sessions scheduled for Tuesday 9th October (6-7pm at Lifeline, Morwell), Wednesday 10th October (6-7pm at Traralgon Business Centre, Traralgon) and Thursday 11th October (6-7pm at Moe Library).
More information is available at the Latrobe Health Assembly website, www.healthassembly.org.au
