Junior sessions on-court winner

Interest is so high for the second season of the annual junior tennis programme, which started in Kaitaia last month, that the event has been booked out weeks in advance.

A group of more than 60 children is taken through the ropes - learning skills and perfecting their technique - every Wednesday by a group of dedicated and qualified coaches, including former pro Rod Harris, who also coaches at Doubtless Bay.

The season of 12 sessions runs through to March and costs each player $45.

The event is held for three age groups. Players aged 5 to 6 take part from 3.30 to 4pm, 7 to 10-year-olds from 4.15pm to 5pm, before the 11-14s play from 5pm-6.15pm.

Spokeswoman Sharlene Wells said the club established the programme a year ago, capitalising on the interest created by the Grasshoppers Programme which was then being introduced into schools by Wendy Sykes of Tennis Northland.

"This certainly propelled some volume our way," said Wells, estimating this translated to about a 40 per cent increase on last year's numbers.

"It's all about promoting tennis, and it's great to see," she said.

While the club had been "sadto turn people away", Wellsreluctantly said that the unprecedented surge in interest meant there was no room at the inn.

It's shaping to be a busy summer for the Kaitaia Tennis and Squash Club. The annual business-house tournament has a record 21 teams, while the club days are held on alternate Friday and Sunday evenings.

The committee was looking atfundraising options to get floodlights and would welcome interest from the local business community towards that, she said. Any support would be worthwhile, Wells said, noting the sport was, "a great way to get kids off the streets".