Tennis Jamaica aiming to remove cost barrier for junior players

President of Tennis Jamaica John Azar says he is committed to removing the cost barriers that have prevented interested players from playing tennis in Jamaica. Azar said he is committed to ensuring every player has the opportunity to compete.

Speaking at the launch of the International Tennis Federation World Tennis Tour M15000 tournament on Saturday, Azar said Tennis Jamaica will be hosting clinics across the island, where kids will be introduced to the sport.

Azar said the association is aware, however, that for many, the cost of tennis equipment would be too expensive to maintain. As a result, Tennis Jamaica will provide equipment and training free of cost.

“What we do is, we’re either hosting or supporting clinics for children 10 and under across the island. We hosted one recently in St Elizabeth where literally we invited youngsters to come out and play tennis. If they did not have a racket, then we provided it for them, coaching was provided for them, balls were provided for them, all free of charge,” Azar said.

According to Azar, while these clinics are aimed at introducing children to the sport, Tennis Jamaica will also be using them as early talent identification for the next generation of professional players.

He said where a player would be interested to taking up the sport professionally the association will engage with these players individually to ensure the cost of pursuing a professional career is greatly reduced.

Azar said the number of people playing the sport will grow as long as they are able to do things to attract people to the sport.

“Then out of that group of players, you’ll have some players who would want to take the sport more seriously. We’ll deal with those players on a one-on-one basis with the aim of providing them what they need, providing them with the coaching and ensuring that the cost barrier to enter the sport is greatly minimised or entirely eliminated,” the Tennis Jamaica president said.

Azar said these clinics are just one aspect of Tennis Jamaica’s plans to grow the popularity of tennis in Jamaica. He also explained that the association will be looking to host international matches on the island, alongside their ambitions of securing a new headquarters and facilities.

Azar recently announced they were in advanced talks to secure the location for their new headquarters, with an announcement expected within the next few months.