National Indigenous Tennis Carnival helps teams develop skills as coaches and players

One of Australia’s most vibrant and culturally significant sporting events, the 2025 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC), is set to take place from 6th–9th August at the Darwin International Tennis Centre.

Now in its seventh year, the NITC continues to grow as a national celebration of First Nations players, bringing together 160 young Indigenous players from every state and territory for four days of competition, connection and cultural pride.

NT Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said the event is a great celebration of identity, culture and opportunity and shared “We’re proud to support an event that gives young First Nations people the chance to grow their skills, share their stories, and build pathways for the future both on and off the court.”

The 2025 Carnival will welcome teams from every Australian state and territory, with players representing the Northern Territory hailing from Nhulunbuy, Laynhapuy Homelands, Groote Eylandt, Jabiru, Tiwi Islands, Woolianna, Jilkminggan, Arlparra and the Darwin/Palmerston region.

Tennis Northern Territory Chief Executive Tania Tandora notes “we are proud to host this unique event in the Northern Territory and for Larrakia Country to be the setting of this unforgettable experience for all who come and play from all around Australia.

“We are excited to bring everyone together and are thrilled to welcome a full team of players from Nhulunbuy for the first time.”

Sam Giess, Head of Tennis NT added “The carnival gives NT teams the opportunity to further develop their skills as coaches and players in a world-class tennis facility. We are grateful for the support of our clubs who also support this event, in particular Tennis Palmerston, Gove Peninsula Tennis Club, and the Darwin International Tennis Centre.”

Since its creation in 2019 through a partnership between the Evonne Goolagong Foundation, Tennis Australia, and Tennis NT, the NITC has delivered real outcomes for First Nations youth with skill development, cultural connection, health and wellbeing and community development a focus for the carnival.

The NITC also provides emerging opportunities through the First Nations Ballkids Program, which select a standout NT ballkid for the Australian Open based on their performance and training during the Carnival.

For many players, the NITC is the pinnacle of the Indigenous tennis pathway, and for some players it is the beginning of their journey. Participants at NITC span across three streams of tennis – some players from more remote communities have had little exposure to tennis before, and so will play in a beginner level competition. More established players are in the “Future Stars”. The top players participate in the “Showdown” stream.

The National Indigenous Tennis Carnival is a closed event – spectators will not be admitted

Access the 2025 National Indigenous Tennis Carnival Information Pack for players and their parents/guardians.