With the aim of increasing participation of tennis in schools, Tennis Manitoba conducted a certification workshop for teachers on January 29 at Constable Finney School. Attended by seven teachers, the workshop was facilitated by TM’s Director of Tennis Development Jared Connell and TM instructor/Rookie Tour coordinator Robert Kennedy. The teachers learned the basic skills of tennis and drills/games they can implement when teaching the sport to their students.
“The goal is for TM to expand the presence of tennis in particular to elementary aged children and also to support enthusiastic leaders in new programming areas by sponsoring equipment packages, doing school visits and supporting the teachers/coaches,” said Connell.
In the fall, TM conducted clinics at Shaftesbury High School and Ecole Dieppe School. Also, Casa Montessori & Orff School completed their fourth year of fall tennis at Taylor Tennis Club in early December with 28 students taking part in a once-a-week program.
Presently, Tennis Manitoba is facilitating once-a-week after-school programs at Pacific Junction School and River West Park School. Connell is hopeful the January 29 workshop will lead to more tennis programs/clinics being set up in schools.
“Our hope is that the players in these new programs will transition to the clubs and eventually participate in leagues and our Provincial Competitive Structure,” he said.
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