Organisation wants to unleash Mamelodi tennis talent
The Impilo-0720 Sports Centre of Excellence keeps boys and girls in Mameldoi busy with tennis lessons and discussions of social issues.
A local sports organisation aiming to bring out the best in young tennis players has laid out its year plan.
Sizwe Radebe from Impilo-0720 Sports Centre of Excellence said the organisation keeps boys and girls busy by giving them tennis lessons and discussing social issues affecting Mamelodi children.
He said they have planned a lot of activities throughout the year and parents are encouraged to bring their children to join Impilo.
The children are trained in the afternoons at the old Mamelodi West Tennis Court.
He said Impilo 0720 Sports Centre was created to revive the spirit of tennis, and with the guidance of Siya Nkachela from Tennis Lab SA, they could do so in Mamelodi.
“We are keeping children busy with tennis lessons from Monday to Friday in the afternoon. We also help children with schoolwork, playing indigenous games and discussing social issues,” said Radebe.
He said Impilo’s main aim is to keep children busy with sport and away from crime and drugs.
Impilo-0720 also hosts street tennis sessions every second week of the month around Mamelodi.
“Street tennis is a programme whereby we teach tennis to the people of Mamelodi, especially small children.
“We host mini tennis tournaments by creating a small tennis court with mini nets,” he added.
Impilo-0720 has more than 60 children who joined the club from the age of six upwards.
“We see a lot of changes in our children; they have discipline, respect, and leadership.”
The year plan calendar focuses on children participation development and is aligned with the school calendar to ensure learners’ education is not disturbed.
Tennis tournaments:
– March 30: GN Wilson Mini 2 U12/14/16 Tournament
– March 31: GN Rainbow Kidz Wilson Mini 2 U10 (outgoing tournament)
– April 6-7: GN Rainbow Kidz Tournament (outgoing)
– May 4-5: GN Rainbow Kidz Tournament (outgoing)
– June 1-2: GN Rainbow Kidz Tournament (outgoing)
– June 29: Fun Walk and tournament (in-house)
– July 6-7: GN Rainbow Kidz Tournament (outgoing)
– July 27: Anniversary tournament (in-house)
– August 10: Women’s Tennis Tournament (in-house)
– September 28: Impilo/Tuks Spring tournament (in-house)
– October 26: Mamelodi closing tournament (in-house)
Mamelodi has a lot of talent, and Impilo aims to help the children unleash their hidden talents.
The centre is situated at Mamelodi Tennis Court, next to the old HM Pitje Stadium in Mamelodi West.
Anyone who wishes to help Impilo-0720 with tennis training equipment or wants to bring a child, can contact Sizwe Radebe at 072 117 0961.
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