Festival returns with an ace

Tim Connelly (front) along with 14-year-old Uzair, Leann Serna and Kale Naisn are looking forward to the festival of tennis. (Damjan Janevski). 436377_02

Get your tennis racquets ready as the Festival of Tennis returns to the Hume Tennis and Community Centre.

First run in 2015, the festival hasn’t been held since 2019 but it’s now back bigger than ever.

The centre’s Tim Connelly said there’s something for everyone.

“Sport is about connecting the community and tennis is a great way to do that,” he said. “Everyone in the family can play. Tennis is a game for life and there’s so many different avenues to play from three years old to seniors.

“The festival shows all the different things that are happening at Hume tennis.”

There will be a number of come and try sessions during the festival, while there will be free court hire available.

There will be tennis hot shots for kids under-10, cardio tennis for adults, pickleball for all ages, and plenty of competitions and social activities throughout the week.

There will be sessions for specialised girls squads with new members welcome

For the first time the festival will include pickleball which has just started at the centre. Connelly said it’s the fastest growing racquet sport currently.

Another key part of the festival is the providing opportunities to athletes with disabilities.

Every Saturday, Hume hosts Wheelchair Tennis sessions.

As the first wheelchair hub established by Tennis Australia, Hume provides an opportunity for both new and experienced players to learn and enjoy the game each week.

They also have opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities.

The Festival of Tennis will run from October 21-27.

Details or to book: 1300 486 382.

Tara Murray