Coaching academy back on the ball

Budding Pilbara tennis players are back on court across the region as a leading coaching academy begins its Term 2 program.

Sun City Tennis Academy brought its coaching to the Pilbara in 2017 to develop tennis skills in people of all ages and provide a pathway for opportunities in the sport.

The academy has weekly classes across the Pilbara in Karratha, Dampier, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Pannawonica and Wickham, with plans to possibly expand to Newman and Onslow in the future.

Sun City Tennis Academy director Jarron Kretschmann said it was great being able to continue to coach and keep people active during these challenging times.

“It gives the kids and the adults who participate in some form of recreation to get out of the house and burn off all that energy,” he said. “The kids are having a great time. We are almost at full capacity. We’ve got a waiting list for some age groups.

“Tennis is hugely popular in the Pilbara at the moment. We’ve got over 200 kids playing tennis at the moment in the Pilbara this term.”

Being a naturally socially distanced game, Sun City was only briefly shut down during the COVID-19 outbreak and has extra safety precautions in place.

Karratha Tennis Club president Stuart Dale said while there were issues with lighting and court facilities, players enjoyed getting out and exercising in a social way.

“It’s just been beautiful, night times are sensational. There is no wind. It’s a lovely time of year.

“You have a huge range of abilities.

“There are people there that can play good tennis down to people who are only just learning.

“No one takes it too seriously. It’s good; you just have fun with it.”