Sudbury's junior tennis program adds new coaches
For two decades, the Sudbury Indoor Tennis Centre has been hosting junior tennis programs, but recently, it’s brought in more junior coaches to focus on further developing the youngsters' skills.
Around 60 kids between the ages of five and 16 take part in the junior tennis programs every Saturday.
There are now seven junior coaches teaching the kids, and for most, the tennis club is where they started.
"It’s a teaching experience, but even though you’re teaching, it’s still a learning experience for us because we only just got into it eight or nine months ago. So it’s a learning curve for us," said Luka Janicijevic, a junior coach with the program.
"As long as they can do the fundamentals, then honestly, that’s the best we can do to help them and encourage them to play even more later in life."
The centre told CTV News it has seen a significant increase in the amount of youth wanting to get involved in tennis ever since the pandemic began.
Student athletes play at Sudbury Indoor Tennis Court. June 4/22 (Molly Frommer/CTV Northern Ontario)
"I’ve been doing this for three weeks, but I found out this is what I love and it’s so fun here," said Narayan Shukla, who is part of the junior program.
"In the first week here, we learned about overhand serves and I found that the coaches were really helpful and supportive."
Officials with the centre said ever since bringing in more junior coaches, they’ve seen a lot of growth in the youth.
"One of the big initiatives that we’ve made is locking in one coach to every six kids. Previously, we could have one coach to 12, 18 kids and it’s just not manageable at all; and the quality of lessons was not there,” said Noah Albers, the executive director of the Sudbury Indoor Tennis Centre.
"Now, we’re locking it in one to six and it’s been amazing to see the development of these kids since then."
After playing high-level tennis in South Africa for 12 years and coaching for 20, Richard Bulbring was asked to be a part of the tennis centre.
Just eight weeks ago, he moved his family here and has been facilitating the junior tennis programs.
"With the junior program, it’s actually a privilege to have these youngsters come and assist us to teach the young kids," Bulbring said.
"I plan all the lessons and when coaches come in the morning, we go through what we’re going to do for the day and then we present it to the kids. My philosophy as a coach is fun first."
The next six-week junior program will begin in September.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.