AS PART OF THE OUE Singapore Slammers commitment to junior tennis development in Singapore, two of the team's stars Nick Kyrgios and Marcelo Melo - along with team coach Purav Raja - conducted a Junior Slammers Clinic at the Marina Tennis Courts this afternoon.
On the second day of the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) when the Slammers are just a few points away from securing their spot in tomorrows final, the clinic was a chance to look at the bigger picture in the sport and the next generation of potential stars.
UD Group, owners of the OUE Singapore Slammers, are committed to developing junior tennis not just during the Coca-Cola IPTL swing, but throughout the year. They have already run a series of clinics and training sessions with local coaches taking up the reigns and the plan is to continue to grow the talent pool and opportunity that it can provide youngsters from all walks of life across the island.
Ten children took part in today's session - some that have been identified as talented players and some that are only a few months into the sport and are enjoying the new challenge and opportunity the Junior Slammers programme is providing them.
Slammers CEO, Thomas Mcmahaon said,
"Today would not have been possible without our wonderful star players, and the parents for allowing their children this opportunity to learn from the world's best. We as a team are about the next generation of the sport and we hope that in 5 or 10 years time that the OUE Singapore Slammers will have a Singaporean player in their starting line-up. We believe this can be achieved with the right support and structure in place to nurture and grow the talent here."
Parents watched on proudly as the children got to play rallies with their idols and get some tips on serving and footwork. They each took home an autographed Slammers cap and a face full of smiles and memories from this wonderful opportunity they had thanks to the OUE Singapore Slammers and the Coca-Cola IPTL.