Wimbledon Champion inspires next generation
Wimbledon men’s doubles champion Matt Ebden has visited a WA Sporting School to inspire the next generation of players ahead of his return to the international tennis tour.
26 July 2022
Wimbledon men’s doubles champion Matt Ebden has visited a WA school to inspire the next generation of players ahead of his return to the international tennis tour.
The two-time grand slam champion, who partnered with Max Purcell to claim the Wimbledon title, is passionate about ensuring children across Australia can try the game.
He visited Holy Rosary Catholic Primary School in Doubleview on Wednesday to share his experience on the world stage. He also spoke about the Australian Sports Commission’s Sporting Schools program which brings schools and sports together to help Aussie children get active.
His visit comes as tennis retains its spot as the number one delivered Sporting Schools program for a sixth consecutive year.
“Funded by the Australian Government, the Sporting Schools Program is a fantastic initiative that provides kids right across Australia the opportunity to pick up a racquet and give the sport a try,” Ebden said.
“Delivering tennis in schools is so important because it not only gets kids more active and trying something new, it also plays an important role in igniting a love of tennis among what stands to be Australia’s next generation of players and future champions of the sport.
“Winning Wimbledon with Max was an incredible experience and one I will treasure for life. I’m honoured by the opportunity to share my experiences and to help inspire the next generation of players. These kids are the future of our sport and I’m excited to show them what’s possible when you work hard and follow your dreams.”
Wimbledon doubles champion Matt Ebden with students from Holy Rosary Catholic Primary in WA.
An incredible 7,889 tennis programs have been delivered in schools across the country since 2016.
“To have tennis recognised as the number one sport for a sixth consecutive year is an incredible achievement and highlights the sport’s commitment to the growth of grassroots participation and to the development of the future champions of the game,” Tennis Australia Chief Tennis Officer Tom Larner said.
“Many of the kids are picking up a racquet for the very first time and our modified Hot Shots program, with smaller racquets and low-compression balls, makes it easy to play from the very beginning, ensuring a positive first tennis experience which we hope will ultimately lead to continued participation for many years to come.”
Connecting schools and students with local coaches in their area, Sporting Schools programs provide a fun introduction to tennis and a pathway for ongoing participation.
Tennis Australia is one of 37 national sporting organisations to partner with Sporting Schools to help schools increase children’s participation in sport and connect them with community sport opportunities.
- Find out more about how your school can get involved in Sporting Schools.
A Holy Rosary Catholic Primary student plays tennis as Matt Ebden watches.
