More than 40 tennis coaches from across Nigeria have successfully completed the International Tennis Federation (ITF) National Level 1 Coaching Course, organized by the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the participants drawn from the six geopolitical zones in the country, were presented with their certificates at a closing ceremony on Wednesday.
The week-long training, which began on April 14, concluded on Wednesday at the National Tennis Centre, Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
NTF Technical Director and Course instructor, Rotimi Akinloye, highlighted the significance of the 10-day training programme for tennis coaches.
He explained that the training provides hope for the future of tennis in Nigeria, as young coaches learn modern teaching methodologies and technical knowledge to effectively guide players.
“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, said that the importance of the training programme on Nigeria Tennis cannot be overemphasised.
Makpa said that it aimed to elevate the coaching standards in Nigeria, enabling coaches to provide better guidance and support to players.
“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.
He said that the Federation, under the leadership of Ifedayo Akindoju as President, will continue to work towards taking the country to greater heights in the world of tennis through developmental programmes.
Chukwunonso Nwabueze, a participant in the coaching training programme, shared his positive experience.
He highlighted the programme’s enriching content, which he noted covered essential aspects of tennis coaching.
Participants learned about the basics of tennis coaching, including training methods for beginners and intermediate players.
“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.
Nwabueze who is also the PRO of Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association, explained that he chose to participate in the training for capacity building and development, to further enhance his skills and knowledge of the game.
Rebecca Ekpeyong, a participant from Port Harcourt, said that the training demonstrates a commitment to professional development, allowing participants to stay up-to-date with best practices in tennis coaching.
“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.
Similarly, Bolaji Bankole from Lagos lauded the NTF for the opportunity and pledged to apply the knowledge gained.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The completion of this coaching course marks a positive step toward building a more structured and professional environment for tennis in the country.
Tennis development often hinges on the quality of coaching available at grassroots and professional levels, and this training helps bridge that gap.
Coaches who are equipped with the latest methodologies can better inspire, train, and mentor players, fostering long-term growth of the sport.
The inclusion of young, enthusiastic participants suggests a generational shift, where modern approaches will replace outdated practices. These coaches now have the tools to not only train future champions but also to contribute to the sport’s infrastructure by mentoring others.
Initiatives like this reinforce the importance of continued learning and certification in sports, ensuring that athletes have access to knowledgeable and well-prepared mentors at every stage of their journey.
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