Tennis South Africa has announced an expansion to the annual RCS Rising Star Tennis series, which will be held for the seventh consecutive year.

The nationwide schools tennis series will again include district and provincial competitions for primary school children in the green gall category (for pupils born in 2014 or earlier) as well as a wheelchair division.

Additionally, the development series will feature a new orange ball category for players born in 2015 or later, to be held at the district level.

Thousands of players from hundreds of schools in all nine provinces will compete in district and provincial tournaments between April and September, and the RCS Rising Star National Finals (featuring the winning provincial teams) will be contested at the national finals between October 30 and November 1.

Trophies will be awarded to provincial and national champions in the green ball and wheelchair categories, and medals will be awarded to the orange ball winners at the district level.

Regan Adams, CEO of RCS, said, “At RCS, we believe that real impact starts with creating access to opportunity, to development, and to hope. The RCS Rising Star Tennis series has become a powerful platform for uncovering young talent and giving primary school learners from all communities the chance to experience the game, grow in confidence and develop life skills that extend far beyond the court.

“As we enter our seventh consecutive season, we are proud to see this programme expand to include even more children, including the introduction of the Orange Ball category and the continued inclusion of wheelchair tennis. This initiative reflects our commitment to investing in the next generation and building a future where every child has the opportunity to rise.”

Entry to the tournaments remains free, and tennis balls and officials will be provided to host schools at no cost.

Travel and accommodation support will also be provided to participating schools travelling more than 200km for the provincial finals and the national finals.

RCS Rising Star Tennis aims to create opportunities for primary school boys and girls from all communities and to increase youth participation in tennis.

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