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Former professional tennis players from the northern areas of Gqeberha are spearheading an innovative initiative to introduce the sport to numerous pupils across these areas, courtesy of the Primary Schools Modified Tennis Legacy Programme.
The inauguration of the Bloemendal hub took place at Astra Primary School in Bloemendal recently, in collaboration with the SA Tennis Development Foundation (SATDF) and Catiza Tennis Academy.
Joining the existing Schauderville hub, Astra Primary School, along with Kroneberg, Bethvale and Strelitzia primary schools, form the second hub in this endeavour.
Clifton Swartz, retired professional tennis player and director of the Catiza Academy of Tennis, highlighted the region’s history of producing top-tier players. However, he stressed the necessity of a formal structure to unearth and nurture talent.
“John Booysen from the northern areas played at Wimbledon, Aunt Chrissie Pillay initiated the first non-racial junior tennis club programme in South Africa, and Ronnie Matroos captained the Eastern Province team which clinched the SA Inter-Pro title for the first time in 1972,” Swartz recalls.
He outlined the programme’s objective of introducing tennis across 42 primary schools in the northern areas, aiming at cultivating a new generation of tennis enthusiasts.
Astra Primary School principal, Helma Boggenpoel, a sports fanatic herself, said sport has the ability to keep children sane in the difficult circumstances they find themselves in.
“I have always been passionate about sport, and this initiative really excites me; I’m excited about the doors that are about to open up for the children of not only this school, but also the community at large. The teachers here are just as hyped as the learners.
"Even when I exit the system soon, I will still be involved in this project, and be the watchdog, sort of,” she laughed.
Cliffie, as he is affectionately known, said that in the digital age, where technology is so easily accessible to children, it’s easy for them to be less active.
“Through this initiative, we know that they will spend less time on their phones and more time on the tennis courts, playing, learning other life skills such as discipline and hard work as well. The beauty of sports, hey!
“This tennis initiative will also foster a disruption of racial and gender division, because in sports, we play the game, that’s all,” he added.
The programme focus includes clinics to kindle interest and cement learning, training and equipment for the beneficiary schools.
“Additionally, training of coaches at the different schools, 12 rackets, 12 tennis balls and two nets each. It’s all about fun, enjoyment, basic technique, life-skills,” Swartz concluded.
