ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TENNIS ASSOCIATION

In keeping with the ITF rule changes and the development of tennis in Antigua & Barbuda The Antigua & Barbuda Tennis Association (ABTA) will be conducting a PLAY & STAY (Tennis 10s) workshop for the Physical Education teachers in both the public and private schools on the 26th and 27th March, 2012.

This workshop is being held in conjunction with a visit from the Caribbean regions development officer to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Mr. Anthony Jeremiah.

The aim of this workshop which will be primarily facilitated by coach Larry Michael is to jump start an already existing tennis programme which exists in some of the primary schools on island.

It is the aim of the ABTA to develop tennis in all corners of the island, and we saw this initiative as being important to all.

With an effective tennis 10s programme in all primary schools we will eventually have a crop of junior players who will be able to play competitively for Antigua & Barbuda. Currently there is a wide gap between the tennis 10s and the other stages of play U12, U14,U16 and U18.

With that said, the ABTA invested in the required racquets needed, balls and equipment to afford the Physical Education teacher to carry out what is required in this initial stage in the game of tennis.

The National Olympic Committee saw this initiative as being positive in the development of Tennis in our twin island state and decided to come on board as the key sponsor for this PLAY & STAY workshop.

We trust that this effort will be a productive one and hope that this initiative along with the rehabilitation of Vikings the proposed home of tennis marks a fresh and innovative start for junior tennis and hopefully Antigua will one day have its first professional tennis athlete.