Last year, we spent many of our Saturday afternoons at 'Super 10's'. Super 10's is a nationwide tennis competition for boys and girls turning 10. At the end of the year, the top four boys and girls from each state and territory are invited to attend the Super 10's National Finals which take place in Melbourne during the last week of the Australian Open. My oldest son, 'The Snerd' was extremely fortunate in being asked to represent Tasmania for a second time in 2016.
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| Some very special guests at the National Finals Opening Ceremony! |
For kids like my son, who live in a small state, the value of attending an event like this cannot really be measured. First and foremost, there is the absolute delight of playing at the National Tennis Centre. The National Tennis Centre is Australia's best, purpose-built, elite tennis training facility. It offers 5 outdoor plexicushion courts, 8 italian clay courts and 8 indoor plexicushion courts which are the envy of all players whose tennis at home is regularly affected by the elements.
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| Playing doubles on the clay courts. |
Secondly, the Finals are an incredible experience because the kids are afforded the opportunity to play a number of new opponents. In a small state like Tasmania, it is unfortunate but true that our kids end up playing the same half a dozen players over and over again. Usually the outcome of the match is known before the kids even step onto the court and the likelihood of a close match is rare. Having the opportunity to play up to four matches a day against unknown opponents is incredibly valuable.
Being in Melbourne while the Australian Open is on is another huge draw card for this event. The atmosphere around Melbourne Park is amazing, and just knowing that some of the worlds greatest players are nearby, walking past you, or having lunch at the table next to yours in the cafeteria is inspirational.
Finally, the opportunity to make friends from different states is immeasurable. As The Snerd begins to travel interstate to tournaments, or is chosen to represent his state at The Bruce Cup (for example), he loves knowing he will cross paths with friends he met at Super 10's. Given the solo nature of tennis, the importance of friendships made off the court cannot be ignored.
This is The Snerd's last Super 10's because sadly he will be too old next year, but he will carry fabulous memories of these trips with him forever. There has been some speculation that Super 10's may be drawing to a close…..but I sincerely hope the value of Super 10's (especially for our rural and remote players) is recognised and the Program continues into the future.
