Kids aiming to have a ball

Young tennis talent on court in Toowoomba.

TENNIS : Some of the region’s youngest aspiring tennis talent, along with curious beginners, will be on show in Toowoomba on Friday.

More than 20 children will take to the court when the South Region Tennis Assembly and Range Tennis Club presents the “2020 Junior Development Series Darling Downs Red Ball Tennis Championships”.

The afternoon is open to children eight years old and under looking to experience the grassroots of tennis.

Tennis Queensland club development officer Sunaina Jaswal said Tennis Australia coaches attending programs such as Red Ball Tennis help guide youngsters through the tennis basics and onto regional pathways.

“It’s an exciting time for these little champs in our region to be introduced to tournaments at a young age, understand concepts and the importance of effort and sportsmanship,” Jaswal said.

“It is an opportunity for them to make friends on the tennis court and also get involved with best practices of understanding a club culture at a young age.

“Tennis Queensland staff will be there to support this event and for parents it’s a great opportunity to network and understand the pathways that their kids have on offer from a regional, state and national level as they grow and progress on and off court.”

Range Tennis Club secretary Tony Brown said his club is excited by the opportunity to be involved in junior tennis development and competition.

“It’s important to help bring through the next generation of players and Red Ball Tennis is an ideal starting point,” Brown said.

The action starts at 3.15.

Councillor Geoff McDonald will be presenting trophies while major raffle prizes including Pat Cash memorabilia and a dress donated and signed by former world number one Victoria Azarenka will be on offer.