Boost for teen tennis stars

By Lia Bichel
YOUNG tennis stars welcomed a financial boost that will help cover travel costs for national competitions.
Serious Tennis Club from Doveton received a Sporting Champions Team Grant worth $3000, presented by Holt MP Anthony Byrne.
Mr Byrne said the kids at Serious Tennis could be the next Grand Slam Champions.
“We need to actively invest in our local sporting champions,” Mr Bryne said.
“We’ve already had local kids go on to become NBA stars like Andrew Bogut or Socceroos like Scott McDonald.”
Serious Tennis head coach Justin Yeo was full of praise for the young athletes.
“The athletes’ spirit and passion for the game is how we base our success, and always monitoring their physical technical and mental needs all the way,” Mr Yeo said.
“There is never a guarantee in life, but we can guarantee that tennis will be a huge part of their lives and each one we select to work with has every chance at making a professional career.”
One of the team leaders Audrey Teo, 13, from Narre Warren North said the Federal Government grant was a fantastic opportunity for the team.
Mr Byrne urged budding sports stars in Holt to make the most of the Australian Government’s Local Sporting Champion’s fund.
Launched in 2008, the program has since awarded $25,000 to 37 successful athletes and two teams.
He said $18,000 for this financial year was available for young athletes wanting to compete in state and national events. This includes 24 individual grants of $500 and two team grants of $3000 or up to 36 individual grants.
More details of the Local Sporting Champions program are available at www.ausport.gov.au