Setraco, Zenith Bank team up to groom future tennis stars

The two corporate bodies recently organized a holiday tennis clinic for kids in the FCT and its environs. The tennis clinic which attracted over 200 kids who received training in the rudiments of the sport from recognized coaches ended amid pomp and pageantry on Wednesday at the tennis courts of the Abuja national stadium.The organizers […]

The two corporate bodies recently organized a holiday tennis clinic for kids in the FCT and its environs. The tennis clinic which attracted over 200 kids who received training in the rudiments of the sport from recognized coaches ended amid pomp and pageantry on Wednesday at the tennis courts of the Abuja national stadium.
The organizers said the whole essence is to help identify talented youths who would be nurtured consistently into future stars. They said the commitment and passion shown by the participants is an indication that sooner than later, Nigeria would boast of players who can do the country proud in international competitions.
  According to the national tennis coach Mr. Rotimi Akinloye who was one of those who drilled the kids in the basics of the game “this year’s clinic has shown that it is better to catch them young. The level of enthusiasm is always high among the teenagers but most new entrants this year are exhibiting so much interest and are learning fast”.
One of the promising players Isah Jibril, who came to the tennis clinic for the first time in this years’ edition said he had always admired players on television and have looked forward to handling the racket. He said the coaches have been good by being patient with them in the under 10 category.
Osi Oshame who is in the same category said he is so excited throughout the exercise. According to him, “I have been playing table tennis with my Dad and so this new experience is good for me. I now know how to handle the racket and hit the ball hard to my fellow player”.
Speaking on what he thinks about the clinic, Victor Paul who is in the under 12 category said, “I like everything in general, especially meeting new and interesting people and interacting with them.
When asked about what he will like to change about the clinic, he responded “I don’t think I would like to change anything. It is a great experience spending the holiday here. The coaches are friendly and they try to make everyone learn how to play better.
John Ishiaku also said he has been here for the clinic in the previous editions and that the tennis clinic has assisted him tremendously in acquiring more skills in tennis.
Geraldine Abua who plays in the under 16 category, said “I have been playing for over four years now. I’m enjoying every bit of the tennis clinic. It helps me get my forehand straight and with the help of the clinic, I have played tournaments in Minna and Jos where I came out winner and 1strunner up respectively.
Also Kynn Daunemigha who is14 years old said it’s her first time to be part of the clinic. Though she is still learning, she said had a great time and the clinic gave her more tips on how to play and improve her skills.
Going by the kids’ enthusiasm and display of God’s given talent in the sport, coach Akinloye said the children are very happy being part of the clinic.
“They showed that they really want to learn, improve their skills, play better and be part of the tennis family and I am happy with their performance level so far”.
At the end of the holiday clinic, the organizers ensured all the participants left not only with the knowledge acquired but also prizes and trophies.