Pint-sized prodigies: Scholarships help juniors chase tennis dreams

At the tender age of 6, Ishaan Trevidi hits the tennis ball with almost the same force as an adult.

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As Goulburn Tennis Club coach Dave Ridland observes, the youngster's face lights up when he takes part in his weekly lesson.

"He lives and breathes the sport and you can see the excitement on his face. He just wants to do anything he can to improve his game," Mr Ridland said.

"Ishaan can do anything - slice the ball, topspin, serve and rally and do a lot of things teenagers can't. He's one of the most talented kids I've had come through."

Ishaan was one of two junior players to receive $500 scholarships from the Goulburn Tennis Club committee to help with lessons, squad groups and travel to pursue their love of the game.

He has been receiving lessons since he was about 4 years old. Mr Ridland said Ishaan named Roger Federer as his favourite player.

Vindi Madduma Patabendige also received a $500 scholarship. Mr Ridland said she was also starting to take the game seriously, travelling around to tournaments.

The committee recently gave $3000 to Mr Ridland to distribute junior scholarships.

Secretary and longtime player Ruth Gibson said it was important to encourage young participants.

"If you do not have juniors coming through the ranks you will not have senior players in the future," she said.

"We have been handing out scholarships for the past 15 years now. It's fantastic when we see those who have received them continue to play and join our senior competitions.

"While we endeavour to ensure that tennis is one of the cheapest sports in town, lessons and training does cost money and we love supporting young people."

Mrs Gibson said there was some "great talent" coming through the junior ranks.

She watched as 14-year-old Kaylani Boyd played for two hours straight with her father. Both now compete in the senior competition. While not a scholarship recipient this time, Kaylani has previously benefited.

Mrs Gibson believed it was also important to encourage girls in the sport. She was taught to play at age 12 and has been competing at the Bishop Street courts for 18 years.

"I enjoy the community aspect. It's about meeting different people from all walks of life," she said.

Mr Ridland took over as coach from Mick Gerstenberg in 2016. He has been coaching tennis "half his life" and has been similarly impressed by the young talent.

Scholarship recipient Jackson Hope is travelling to tournaments and the scholarship will help with costs.

"Jackson Pearce (16) has also come a long way and has worked so hard to get to the standard he's at today. He plays quite a few tournaments," Mr Ridland said.

Jackson and his brother Gabe received scholarships.

Goulburn Tennis Club committee and players show off the upgraded tennis courts in Bishop Street. Picture supplied.

In the past, Eamon Shiel and Owen Edwards have been among the top talents. Eamon won the A-grade men's singles as a 13 or 14-year-old. Now 16, Eamon this year made the 16s and 18s Australian hockey sides.

Ten students from Goulburn East and Bradfordville public schools were selected for Ridland's Tennis group squads, thanks to the scholarships. Many of them go on to play tennis in their teenage years.

Mr Ridland said this encouragement was vital.

"You can see the excitement on their faces when they receive the scholarships," he said.

"It's not necessarily the money but the fact they've been noticed by someone."

In related news, the club has recently upgraded two tennis courts at Bishop Street. Synthetic turf has been laid and drainage issues fixed as part of the $130,000 project.

A $30,000 grant Veolia Mulwaree Trust, $20,000 from Tennis NSW and $20,000 from the NSW Department of Sport, supported the work

The courts will be officially opened at the club championships on September 19 and 20.

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