Grassroots club and school events and programs will be honored at tomorrow night’s Australian Tennis Awards.

These initiatives allow people of all ages and levels to obtain a racket and develop a permanent connection with the sport.

The following finalists highlight schools, events and programs that help achieve the goal of making tennis a sport for all.

Most notable school

Holy Trinity Primary School (ACT): Students at Holy Trinity Primary School actively participate in lunchtime competitions organized by the school. With increased participation at all year levels, interest in interschool competitions is high, forcing the school to hold trials. The students’ connection with tennis, due to its inclusion in the physical education curriculum, led many of them to subsequently enroll in local clubs.

Nightcliff Middle School (NT): The Year 7-9 school is running “Teen Team Tennis” – a pilot program for Tennis Australia, delivered by Tennis NT coaches. Australia’s largest pilot group, Nightcliff Middle School, offers the program to students as an extra-curricular subject every Thursday afternoon. Nightcliff Middle School is in the running to become the first school to win this award twice.

SA School and Services for the Visually Impaired (SA): With the growth of tennis for the blind and visually impaired, SA School and Services for Vision Impaired (SASSVI) has expanded its physical education program to bring the sport to schools. The organization also hosted blind tennis tournaments at its schools, providing students with a pathway to national and world championships.

Most notable tournament

Margaret Court Cup – Albury Tennis Association (NSW): Held in January for the 20th year, the tournament welcomed nearly 300 players from Australia and the Oceania region. The flagship tournament of the Albury Tennis Association, the Margaret Court Cup fostered a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere, strengthening relationships between players from the participating countries.

Rye Tennis Club (Vic) Annual Australia Day Event: Played across two venues for the first time in its 45-year history, 221 players took part in the Australia Day long weekend. With the additional use of the Dromana Tennis Club, the number of players has increased from 133 last year.

Clarence Open 2024 (TAS): The Clarence Open took place over Labor Day weekend, with 135 participants. From the Hot Shots challenge for ages 5-11, to Fast4 doubles and open-age competitions, there were events for all ages and abilities.