Further establishing its place as one of the most effective grassroots development programmes in South African sport, the RCS Rising Star Tennis Championships enjoyed continued growth this year.
In the fifth season of the annual campaign, a look at the statistics shows just how much of an impact RCS Rising Star Tennis has had across the country.
The number of participating districts increased from 34 in 2023 to 39 in 2024. The five districts which hosted events for the first time this year included the rural communities of Sekhukhune, Vhembe, Capricorn and Waterberg in Limpopo, and Ugu in Kwazulu-Natal.
Over 680 primary schools and 79 teams from special schools participated in the district events, with 3 040 players (including wheelchair tennis players) taking part, which is nearly 10% increase from 2023.
"The growth we have seen year on year is testament to the success of RCS Rising Star Tennis since it was first launched," said Tennis South Africa Head of Commercial, Communications and Stakeholder Management Anthony Moruthane.
"This development series has really been able to help us spread tennis to areas of South Africa we could not have reached before.
"We are grateful to our partner RCS Group who have helped us assist young players and coaches, as well as providing tennis equipment in order to expand the sport."
In the next leg of the 2024 RCS Rising Star Tennis series, provincial finals are being held around South Africa, with the winners receiving an all-expenses-paid entry in the national final to be held at Gauteng East Tennis Complex in Benoni between 25-27 October 2024.
A sport project with a purpose, RCS Rising Star Tennis aims to create opportunities for primary school boys and girls from all communities, empowering the youth and increasing participation in tennis.
RCS Group CEO, Regan Adams, adds “As a company committed to youth development and empowerment, we are incredibly proud of the continued growth of the RCS Rising Star Tennis Championships. The success of this programme is evidence of the power of sport in shaping young lives and fostering stronger schools in disadvantaged areas across South Africa."