The partnership between the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) and Tennis Central aims to instill a sense of togetherness, community, reflection and service to those in Anguilla. Coach Mitch of the ATA says that: “My vision for this partnership with Tennis Central is to expose our ATA students to other tennis players from the USA. This exposure will help develop their skill sets through competitive tennis training – while creating bonds of friendship that will undoubtedly help to promote and sustain the ATA.”
For the last four weeks, Tennis Central has brought two groups to the island of Anguilla, as well as some of the best coaches in the world, namely Coach Alexis, Coach Yann and Coach Michael. Each group that came spent their time not only playing tennis with the local tennis players, but exploring the island and doing service activities such as teaching students the game of tennis and picking up trash from neighborhoods and beaches. A few students from the Anguilla Tennis Academy joined Tennis Central in these activities which allowed them to form strong bonds and connections. In the past few weeks, the two groups merged and taught tennis to the younger students of the primary schools from Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School on the western part of the island to the Morris Vanterpool Primary School at the eastern part of the island. The ATA coaches, Coach George, Coach Shridath, Coach Tristin and Coach Calyde ensured that this setup was possible and arrived extra early every morning to set up the equipment on court. The ATA and Tennis Central students then took over and warmed up with the primary schoolers, and divided them into groups where they would do fun tennis-related activities. These sessions took approximately one hour and were so inspiring to both the students participating, and the tennis students, that the group returned to multiple schools within the same week. This young, vibrant mix of the ATA and Tennis Central also led the After School Programme at the ATA and even played a tournament against each other at the end of June.
All of the tennis students who participated were undoubtedly extremely grateful for the encouragement, coaching and mentorship from the amazing ATA and Tennis Central coaches. Participant Jharia Webster stated that, “one lesson I have learnt is to be thankful. I am so thankful for these opportunities and bonds that were made with the Tennis Central players and us, ATA players. Seeing the smiles and joy that we brought to the primary school children’s faces was very heartwarming. Being able to see how determined and consistent the ATA coaches were, and how charismatic and helpful the Tennis Central coaches were, made it even better.”
Coach Yann reflected on this year’s experience, saying that: “It [the experience] was a lot more wholesome than the first year because, for the first time in the Anguilla Tennis Academy and Tennis Central history, we went into the community which is a much more powerful experience as we are inspiring kids who have never even slightly been exposed to tennis. The only way that you get to activate a passion is when someone gives you an opportunity to try it. We touched over 500 Anguillian kids, of all ages, and have undoubtedly made a considerable impact on the communities.”
Sunzahra Liburd-Banks, who is the most recent student from the ATA to gain a tennis scholarship, also reflected on her experience. She stated: that “My experience for the past four weeks was like none other. I thoroughly enjoyed coaching the children at the various primary schools. The joy on their faces made all of our hearts smile. I’m extremely grateful to all of the ATA coaches and the Tennis Central team for making it a success! They truly outdid themselves. The last 2 weeks, we were given the opportunity to bond more with Tennis Central and it has indeed been a life changer for me. We did more than play tennis, make art and serve in the community. We reflected on the experiences and learned from the unique perspectives of our peers and coaches. To a phenomenal team, Coach Mitch, Coach Tristin, Coach Shridad, Coach George, Coach Calyde, Coach Yaan, Coach Michael, Coach Alexis, Olivia, Katie, Leon, Josephine and all of the crew who made this experience a success for all, THANK YOU.”
These last few weeks have truly changed the lives of primary school students, Tennis Central students and the students of the Anguilla Tennis Academy. Participant Rhonica Connor also mentioned that, “there is no greater feeling than doing something so enjoyable, yet helpful, to the Anguillian community while teaching others about your culture. I have had the best time of my life teaching a variety of younger students the sport that I love so much, going on adventures with the Tennis Central group, and giving back to the ATA who has assisted my development so much.” This is all owed to the coaches who put this in place – Coach Mitch and Coach Yann, as well as the other coaches who allowed this incredible service, sports and bonding opportunity to be possible – namely Coach Shridath, Coach George, Coach Calyde, Coach Tristin, Coach Alexis and Coach Michael.
Written by Rhonica Connor
