KILMORE Tennis Club’s junior players and coaches earlier this month embarked on a trip to the state’s capital, visiting Melbourne Park to experience the world-class tennis facilities in the lead up to the Australian Open.
The club last year received funding through Tennis Victoria’s ACE Grants Program, allowing 20 players to travel to Melbourne Park to tour Rod Laver Arena, show court three, and the players’ lockers and change rooms, along with an opportunity to have a hit on the indoor courts of the National Tennis Centre.
Kilmore’s junior players also had the chance to explore Melbourne Park’s underground tunnels and the ‘walk of fame’, following in the footsteps of tennis stars such as Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, and Ash Barty.
Kilmore Tennis Club junior president Claire Gallagher said the players took full advantage of the unique opportunity.
“Many of the junior players, who had never ventured in the city or travelled on a train, were in awe of the sheer size of Melbourne Park, and all that Melbourne has to offer, especially leading up to the Australian Open,” she said.
“The players admired the well-maintained indoor courts and appreciated the opportunity to play tennis in this prestigious environment without the worry of the wind offsetting their serve or the Kilmore rain adding extra weight to the ball.”
The ACE Grants Program is aimed at encouraging participation in tennis for underrepresented groups, supporting communities who could experience barriers to accessing tennis and being involved with the sport.
