Callide Valley installs new MLC Tennis Hot Shots mini-courts

The Callide Valley Tennis Association has had a busy few months since installing four new MLC Tennis Hot Shots mini-courts in December last year.

Located in the small country town of Biloela, 145 kilometres south of Rockhampton in Central Queensland, the Tennis Association spent January cheering for world no. 3 David Ferrer, who represented the town at the Australian Open as part of the Australian Open Blitz competition.

Biloela was allocated the Spanish tennis star after finishing fifth nationally in the interactive competition, finishing as Queensland’s top-ranked tennis town.

Coach Helan Ambrey explained “it has been a very exciting time for our tennis community and our AO Blitz top 10 result was an added bonus.”

With the Association’s new MLC Tennis Hot Shots mini-courts replacing an older grass court, Ambrey added “three of our grass courts were in bad need of repair.

“After a great deal of thought we made the decision to give up one of our courts when making these repairs and put in four MLC Tennis Hot Shots mini-courts.

“We see these mini-courts as the future of tennis and a way of progressing our juniors into quality players. They will make a big difference to our coaching program and our weekly junior fixtures.”

The Association’s courts neighbour St Joseph’s Catholic School, which is part of the National School Partnership Program that allows MLC Tennis Hot Shots to be taught in school curriculums.

The Association allows the school to use their courts, an agreement which ensures more members of the community can take advantage of these new facilities.

Commenting on the courts, Ambrey concludes “(they) look great and we look forward to seeing plenty of our juniors enjoying playing tennis on them.”

MLC Tennis Hot Shots is an exciting junior tennis program for children aged 12 and under.

Played on smaller courts, with smaller racquets and low compression balls, the program makes learning tennis easy and fun for new players.

Tennis Australia encourages every venue in Australia to offer this program to increase tennis participation and provide an endorsed development pathway for children.

Click here for more information on MLC Tennis Hot Shots.

16th April 2014 - TENNIS AUSTRALIA WANTS COUNCILS TO DEVELOP TENNIS HOT SHOTS MINI COURTS