On Tuesday 18th April, 2023, the Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) and the Omololu International School (OIS) launched a partnership through a joint initiative tennis programme at OIS. The tennis programme is being conducted by ATA Director, Tristin Rogers and supported by other ATA coaches. The coaching is facilitated on school premises at the OIS multi-purpose sports court.
Under the partnership agreement, the ATA will design the ongoing sessions to suit each grade level and will provide the coaching and all equipment needed (rackets, tennis balls, etc) to conduct the tennis programme.
The sessions will be conducted for a period of two (2) months during each school term on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 11:30am. This partnership is designed to promote and strengthen the bond between OIS and the ATA and will serve as a litmus test to demonstrate how the discipline acquired through tennis can enhance learning and overall educational development of children.
The Founder and CEO of the ATA, Mitchelle Lake, said, “I am thrilled about this partnership and remain committed to promoting the sport of tennis in local schools as a means of encouraging physical well-being and education as a great combination in the development and advancement of our children.”
The children are already having a great experience learning the game of tennis. During the sessions, they engage in different drills where they learn the basic strokes (forehand, backhand, and volley) and advance through various stations that are designed to test control and hand-eye coordination. The children rotate to each progressive station which allows them to participate in each activity thus allowing each child the opportunity to experience every drill and game.
The Principal, Ms. Barbara Z. Franks-Rolle said, “OIS is thrilled to partner with the Anguilla Tennis Academy to offer our students an opportunity to develop their tennis skills. In addition, this collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for our students to engage in a sport that promotes physical well-being and offers valuable educational benefits. We believe that the discipline acquired through tennis will enhance students’ overall educational development and contribute to their personal growth.”
“The children have already shown great enthusiasm and enjoyment during the sessions, and it is wonderful to witness their progress and witness firsthand how tennis can foster important qualities such as control, coordination, and sportsmanship,” she said. “We extend our sincere gratitude to the ATA for their dedication and passion in making this program a reality. Together, we can inspire and empower our students to achieve excellence both on and off the tennis court.”
This strategic alliance allows the ATA to gain a further reach in the Anguillian community.
The ATA hopes to expand its school tennis programme to eventually include inter-school competitions, so that the players can grow in a competitive environment.
Collaborating with the OIS also assists in demonstrating the ongoing commitment that the ATA has placed in developing and promoting the youth in the various local communities. These positive associations with the academy, increase brand awareness, potentially attract more players and gain additional support for the love of tennis.
All in all, the tennis programme offered by the Anguilla Tennis Academy at the Omololu International School can have significant benefits for both institutions and the community.
The programme offers a valuable opportunity for the Academy to promote the sport of tennis and contribute to the development of young players, while also strengthening its position as a leader in tennis training and education in Anguilla.
