Picture if you will, a beautiful spring Sunday in St Francis Bay. The sun is warming the air and you are enjoying a stroll. You happen to walk past the St Francis Bay Tennis Club. The rhythmic sound of ball hitting racket filters through the shrubbery. The grunt of effort, intermingled with the jubilant shout of success drifts over the hedge. Laughter. The clapping of hands from appreciative spectators rises above the other sounds. Interest is piqued, and curiosity leads you up the pathway to the clubhouse to investigate. It is alive with activity and good energy. Welcome to the inaugural Sea Vista Community Umbrella Tennis Tournament.
This is not like any other tennis tournament though. The competitors, all young girls (bar one brave boy) only began their tennis careers a mere four months ago. None of them had held a tennis racquet, let alone played a tennis match on a court, at the start of this year. What you see in front of you is astounding and noteworthy in today’s cynical, jaded society. It is what happens when the stars align and send a meteor to sprinkle a little moon dust over the court. Joking aside, it is what happens when determination to move out of one’s comfort zone (the Net Ninjas) meets a group of people with the time and energy to make things happen (the dedicated Community Umbrella ‘angels’), meets two young, humble men who care and want to make a difference (Noah and Lollie, the coaches), meets the generous citizens of St Francis Bay (the tournament sponsors and St Francis Bay Tennis Club).
DuneDaisies were honoured to be invited to check out the excitement and talk to some of the players – on and off the court. The coaches, Noah and Lolly were full of praise for the girls and super impressed with their perseverance and talent, not to mention amazed to witness the knock on benefits of their all round self development.
I’ve seen a 100% change in the girls since they began their tennis coaching. They are more social, they feel good about learning a new skill and they have really bonded well as a group. Coach Lollie
With the help of Stella and all of the amazing sponsors the tournament has come together better than I could ever imagine. I think that the girls’ sportsmanship and attitudes are remarkable – that is one of the highlights for me. And also seeing how far they’ve come, how well they are playing competitively. I’m just so proud of them.
Coaching the girls has impacted my life in a huge way. We’re now family and I love being able to teach them and have a positive effect on their lives. Our aim going forwards is to get the girls proper tennis kits, keep practicing and then play matches against other schools, clubs and tennis groups. Coach Noah
I like my granddaughter to play tennis as she gains respect through the sport and her mind has become open to future possibilities. She has changed through the tennis coaching – she has better manners, keeps time better and is a happier girl. Noah is wonderful. He gives the girls lifts to and from the court. We all really appreciate him. He’s doing a great job. Thank you for helping our children! Cynthia (Buli’s grandmother)
As the last tennis ball whizzes over the net and the scores are tallied, it is time for the much anticipated prize giving. The St Francis business community and individuals have dug deep and ensured that these girls are truly celebrated in style. First prize is a luxury canal trip for 4, courtesy of Captain Kev. Other winners receive gifts & vouchers from the St Francis Brewing Co., Bruces Ocean Museum Cafe, Full Stop Cafe, Shakti Shanti, Absolutely Water, Super Spar and the Kitchen, as well as prize money from Dawn Watt and Hixonia Nyasulu.
Noah, Lollie and the Net Ninjas would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped so far; from the donations of tennis rackets and balls, to the St Francis Bay Tennis Club for allowing the twice weekly practices to take place, as well as hosting this inaugural event. A variety of family and friends were roped in to umpire, score and judge on the day, and Brad Peens took the awesome pictures for this blog. Stella sourced the prizes and added her magic wand to the proceedings – a huge thank you to you all!
The Net Ninjas will never forget their inaugural tennis tournament. The day that they realised they are champions, both on and off the courts.