Pretoria, South Africa - Curro Tennis and Tennis South Africa (TSA) have launched an exciting new series of tournaments aimed at increasing the number of tennis players at primary school level.
The tournaments, titled the Curro Red Ball Blast and Curro Orange Ball Blast, respectively, are one-day events focused on young players aged between 5 and 8 (red ball) and 8 and 11 (orange ball). 2018 will see regular tournaments held at six Curro schools in Gauteng, KZN and the Western Cape, with the intention of extending to other Provinces in future years. Dates and entry details will be available shortly on the TSA website and the tournaments will be open to all – not just Curro students!
Red and Orange ball tennis has been developed to make it easier for beginner and recreational players to learn the game. Matches are played on small courts with softer balls, that are designed to play more slowly. The Curro Red and Orange Ball Blast events are introductory level tournaments for young players to have fun, while developing competitive skills and the necessary tennis competencies. TSA will also be using the events to educate new players and their parents on the TSA code of conduct and tournament behaviour.
Jared Temlett, Director of Curro Tennis said: “Developing grassroots tennis in South Africa is one of our brands’ key focus areas. Joining forces with our national federation, in being the solution to changing the profile of tennis in the country, is an exciting opportunity for us. We are delighted with our new association with TSA and are committed to sustainable growth in this space.”
Richard Glover, CEO of TSA added: “Curro are major supporters of tennis in South Africa and so it was a natural step for us to work more closely with them. Schools and especially primary schools are now a key focus area for TSA and this is one of several initiatives we are planning to roll out, in the schools’ space, in the coming months. TSA is committed to growing our sport in schools across all communities in South Africa….so watch this space.”
Curro Tennis is a subsidiary of Curro Holdings - the largest independent education provider in South Africa. Curro Tennis was launched in July 2016 with the aim of creating tennis academies in all Curro schools across South Africa. Curro Tennis currently operates in 21 Curro schools, with 7 new academies opening in 2018.