ICC has an active Tennis Development Programme which has been running at Irene Middle School since the beginning of 2000. Irene Middle School (previously Irene Farm School) takes children as far as Grade 9. All are from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Children from the school who wish to join the programme are taught tennis skills by professional coaches. The better players represent their school in league and other tournaments. Some have gone on to represent Gauteng North at school level, and one travelled to Australia with a S A Schools squad. A number have represented ICC tennis at league level as well. One is training as a coach and another is learning the skills of umpiring.
Some of those who have been part of the programme have gone on to greater things and have benefited in other areas because of their tennis skills.
Without financial support, this worthy and successful programme could not survive.
This programme is about a whole lot more than learning to hit a yellow ball across a net. It's about learning life skills and self-confidence for the children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are always looking for support from sponsors. Individuals could sponsor a particular child (providing equipment or paying for individual coaching) and offer this young person an opportunity in life that he or she would not otherwise enjoy. Here's an opportunity for corporates to get involved through their Social Investment Programmes and make a huge difference to the lives of these young people.
For further information, please contact
Tim Donkin
0126672609 or 0722085206 |
