Left: Fountain Gate – Marc McGowan
SIXTEEN lucky Fountain Gate Tennis Club juniors received the opportunity of a lifetime at the Australian Open last week.
The juniors, aged between eight and 15, took over Melbourne Park’s Margaret Court Arena to promote Tennis Australia’s innovative Hot Shots program.
Fountain Gate coaches Matt Cronin and Tash Poefpoefch ran the demonstration of the abbreviated game, which involves modified equipment, balls and courts.
Tennis Australia officials developed the program to introduce more children to the sport at a younger age.
Fountain Gate secretary Marlene Fox said the participants were thrilled to be involved.
“Tennis Australia picked various clubs, but we were the only ones out this way,” she said.
“They loved it and may never get to play on that court again.”
Fountain Gate Tennis Club’s open day is on Sunday, 8 February from 11am to 3pm.
Coaches Greg Gunn, Cronin and Poefpoefch will be on hand to offer free tips and there will be a sausage sizzle and giveaways.
The club is on the corner of Princes Highway and Raven Crescent in Narre Warren.
