Seven years after it first put racquets into the hands of South African schoolchildren, RCS Rising Star Tennis is bigger than ever.

The programme recorded 891 school-team entries in 2026, up 6.7% on last year and marking its third consecutive year of growth, as it heads to the seventh National School Finals at the GETA (Gauteng East Tennis Association) complex in Lakefield, Benoni, from October 30 to November 1.

“Every young person deserves the chance to discover what they’re capable of. Through RCS Rising Star Tennis, we’re proud to help open up that opportunity to more schools and communities, giving young players the space to build confidence, make connections and explore new possibilities through sport.

“To everyone taking to the courts in Benoni: enjoy the moment, back yourselves and be proud of how far you’ve come,” said Regan Adam, CEO of RCS.

Since its inception in 2019/20, when it attracted 361 entries, the programme has more than doubled in scale and established itself as a national platform for school tennis.

Its structured pathway – from district competition through provincial finals to a national championship – offers learners a clear route from their first introduction to the game to the highest level of school competition.

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At its core, Rising Star Tennis is a project with purpose.

By offering participation free of charge to primary-school learners and learners at special schools, it removes the financial barriers that have long kept the sport out of reach for many communities.

Wheelchair tennis is fully integrated into the competition pathway rather than treated as a separate event.

In 2026, more than half of all entries came from no-fee schools, while Xhariep, Thabo Mofutsanyana and Harry Gwala took part at district level for the first time.

The programme’s influence extends well beyond the tournament itself.

For many participants, a first school event has developed into regular weekly play, while others have progressed on merit to national and international junior competition.

Central to this success is the continued support of RCS, which has partnered with the programme since its launch.

This sustained commitment has enabled Rising Star Tennis to expand into new communities year after year while remaining free to enter, and stands as a compelling example of the lasting difference that private-sector investment in school sport can make.

“Rising Star Tennis was founded on the belief that talent exists in every community, and that opportunity should too,” said Anthony Moruthane, GM of Tennis South Africa.

“This year’s growth is a powerful affirmation of that belief. More schools and more communities are participating than ever before, and many of these young players are holding a racquet for the very first time.

“Growth of this kind is only possible with a partner committed for the long term. RCS has stood alongside this programme from the outset, and that consistency has transformed a school tournament into a meaningful pathway for young South Africans. We look forward to celebrating this year’s finalists in Benoni.”

Coverage of the 2026 National School Finals will be available on Discover Sport.

Qualifying schools:

Gauteng
St Stithians Prep Girls
St Stithians PrepBoys

Northern Cape
Kathu Primary School
Newton Primary School

KZN
Highbury Primary School
Umhlali Prep

Mpumalanga
Laerskool Kanonkop Boys
Laerskool Kanonkop Girls

Free State
Eunice Primary School
Laerskool Welkom Volkskool

North West
Laerskool Mooirivier
Laerskool Saamtrek

Western Cape
Laerskool Coutrai Primary School
Laerskool George Suid

Eastern Cape
Cradock Primary School
Jeffreys Bay Primary School

Limpopo
Letlotlo Primary School
Toronto Primary School

Wild cards
Boys
1. Okiep Primary School
2. Ndlovu Care Group
3. HTC Re Tshela This
Girls
1. HTC Gunners
2. Tshivhilwi Primary School
3. St Marks Primary

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