NTF Aims To Develop Tennis, Certifies 40 Coaches

No fewer than 40 coaches from across Nigeria have successfully completed the ITF National Level 1 Tennis Coaching Course, organized by the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) in Abuja.

The week-long program, which started on April 14 and concluded on Wednesday, took place at the National Tennis Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium. Coaches from all six geopolitical zones participated in the training.

At the closing ceremony, participants were awarded certificates. NTF Technical Director and course instructor, Rotimi Akinloye, emphasized the importance of the 10-day training in enhancing coaching standards and developing grassroots tennis across the country.

Akinloye explained that the training offers hope for the future of tennis in Nigeria, as it equips young coaches with modern teaching methodologies and technical knowledge essential for effectively guiding players. He emphasized that such capacity-building initiatives are crucial for nurturing talent and elevating the sport’s standard nationwide.

“Coaches play a crucial role in shaping the careers of tennis players, and their words can either inspire or discourage players.

“Thus, the training programme focused on equipping our coaches with global best practices and modern teaching techniques to enhance player development.

“It was also quite encouraging to see that the participants are young and knowledgeable about the game, indicating a promising future for Nigerian tennis,” he said.

NTF Secretary, Shammah Makpa, emphasized that the significance of the training programme for Nigerian tennis cannot be overstated. He noted that its primary goal is to raise coaching standards across the country, thereby empowering coaches to offer more effective guidance and support to players at all levels.

“By equipping coaches with modern teaching methodologies, the programme can contribute to the development of skilled and competitive tennis players in Nigeria.

“It will also go a long way to help promote the growth of tennis at the grassroots, potentially leading to increased participation and success in local and international competitions,” he said.

Chukwunonso Nwabueze, a participant in the coaching training programme, shared his positive experience, highlighting how the course helped him gain valuable insights into modern coaching techniques and tennis development. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to improve his skills and knowledge, aiming to contribute positively to the growth of tennis in Nigeria.

Rebecca Ekpeyong, a participant from Port Harcourt, praised the training for its emphasis on professional development. She emphasized that the course provided an opportunity for coaches to stay current with best practices in tennis coaching, enhancing their ability to effectively train players and contribute to the sport’s growth in Nigeria..

“The programme covered specific skill areas such as ball feeding, approach shots, serve and volley, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of tennis techniques,” he said.

“The programme equipped participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively coach tennis players.

“By learning modern coaching techniques, participants can contribute to the development of skilled and competitive tennis players in Nigeria,” she said.

Bolaji Bankole from Lagos also commended the NTF for organizing the course, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. He promised to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to improve his coaching methods and contribute to the development of tennis in Nigeria.