The Tennis Federation of The Cayman Islands, with support from their sponsor Walkers, have facilitated the introduction of tennis in 9 Government Primary Schools. Noel Watkins has taken the lead with providing coaching to support the PE teachers at most of the schools. Thomas Neuert, Rob Seward and Adam Bailey also support our ‘in-school’ tennis program. With the launch of the Government’s After Schools Program by Mr Michael Myles, who is the government coordinator for the after school program which is attended by approximately 1,200 children, The Tennis Federation has assisted by providing tennis equipment sponsored by the International Tennis Federation and Dunlop. Volunteers Edward Bodden, Richard McField and Alex Leonard are assisting with the after schools program. The Federation is looking for more volunteers to assist with tennis activities at their new Paul Howard Junior Community Tennis Courts which were recently opened providing four permanent Under 8 mini courts for all to enjoy, play and stay!
The President Mr Jeremy Superfine expressed thanks to the hard work of the Tennis Federation, volunteers, pros and sponsors, since there has been an increase in the uptake of tennis in the under 10 year old age groups. We have developed a structure that encourages players from age of 4 to start playing tennis and remain playing tennis for many years. Our main programs include the Walkers School program, the Cayman National Tennis 10s and the PWC Junior Circuit. According to Mr Michael Myles (Programme Coordinator and Liaison Officer-at Risk Youths) in the Ministry of Education, Training and Employment shared the goals of the after schools programme:
1. Provide comprehensive, high quality youth development activities that will provide: educational, therapeutic, recreational, mentoring and cultural programmes and services to improve the social, emotional and academic competencies of children.2. Methods to increase parental participation with children and the schools
3. An intense intervention programme for children at risk
The Ministry believe it must be proactive in protecting youngsters between 3pm-7pm. We must provide our youths with activities that inspires learning, friendship and community. The Ministry is also looking to mobilize communities and schools to work together in supporting our youths.
For more information you can check out the face book page (Tennis Federation of the Cayman Islands)
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