By Tyler Lewis
Community connection will be Charlie Crawford’s focus when he begins his coaching tenure at the Kooweerup Tennis Centre.
Crawford, the Director of Best Practice Tennis, will run an extensive program out of the West Gippsland Tennis Association.
The program will be for all ages in a bid to grow tennis within the community.
“For us at Kooweerup, it’s going to be super, super community focused,” Crawford said.
“It’s going to really hone in on access, so really opening up the ability to play and learn about tennis.
“We’ve already partnered with Kooweerup Secondary College, using their VET program we will be working with the kids doing that course and help them get real life experience.
“We will then offer that service to families with kids in the area… I had a look into the census trends and it is clearly the way we’re moving in the area, there are lots of young families.
“So we will make it as accessible for them as we can, but also give the kids we’ve got already showing a passion in sports coaching an opportunity to come and improve their coaching skills and provide something back to the community as well.”
Crawford is further aiming to bring tennis back into vogue within the region.
“There’s been a lack of opportunity to play tennis in the area,” he said.
“Due to not having a good facility, but also… you know we don’t want to use the ‘c word’, but that for the last two years.
“We want to bring it back and get people to get out there and play again.”
There will be tennis available for all, including an open tennis day in the coming weeks.
“We will be offering the Tennis Australia Hot Shots program, cardio tennis classes and then social play will be a big part of it,” Crawford said.
“Lessons will also be available for children three plus… this is a genuine community focused approach.”
For those wanting to get involved Charlie Crawford can be contacted via email: charlie@bestpracticetennis.com.au
