POLOKWANE – Mitchell House’s junior phase mini tennis programme, fondly referred to as ‘The Factory’ proudly boasts 88 participants.

Rorisang ‘Iggy’ Matsiela, the school’s sports coordinator for tennis, explained the nickname.

“We call it ‘The Factory’ because it serves as a feeder to our intermediate and college tennis programmes,” he said.

Speaking to Review, Matsiela said the programme, now in its fourth year, was launched to introduce tennis to learners at an early age.

“Previously, learners were only picking up a racket for the first time in Gr 4, which wasn’t ideal. Teaching fundamentals in a competitive setting is difficult, so we’ve dedicated three to four years to building those foundations early. By the time learners enter the intermediate phase, they’re ready to compete,” he explained.

The benefits of early development are already becoming evident, according to Matsiela.

“We’re seeing the progress in our intermediate players, and with continued support from the school and parents, we’ll reach our full potential.”

The programme starts with six-year-olds using red foam or felt balls, which bounce lower and move more slowly to give beginners a better chance at success. The courts are also adapted to their needs.

Gr 2 learners progress to using orange balls, which bounce higher and move faster, preparing them for more advanced play.

By Gr 3, learners use the green dot ball, which moves faster and bounces higher, prepping them for primary school league tennis.

Matsiela emphasised the broader benefits of the programme. “While our kids are having fun, they’re also improving their fitness, increasing aerobic capacity, and reducing obesity,” he concluded.