SDLTA casting its net wider in search for new talents

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SIBU: Sibu Division Lawn Tennis Association (SDLTA) has widened its player’s recruitment drive following the launch of its recent Junior Development Programme (JDP)  at SJK © Rejang Park.

SDLTA vice president cum head coach Simon Tiong said a total of 23 new players from SMK Chung Hua had joined the programme on Friday.

“Most of these players are first timers and have never played in tennis before. We will rope them in and once they have developed an interest in the game, we will approach their parents to lend us the necessary logistical support,” he said

Tiong said SDLTA had already engaged the service of Jerome, a licensed US Professional Tennis Registra (USPTA) coach from Philippines under a one-year contract.

He said Jerome is a former top tennis player in Philippines.

“This is a rare opportunity for the players to learn from the coach and we will provide a step by step professional approach to guide the students,” Tiong added,

He said competitive level coaching was also available but that would have to depend on how far the player had improved on their performance.

“We are happy that we are finally able to engage the service of a professional coach after all these years in the wilderness and the onus now is on the players to join the JDP to collectively help raise the standard of the game here,” he said.

The JDP is a full time programme categorised for players from ages four to six years old, seven to 10 years old and from 11 to 16 years old for the beginners, intermediate and advance level respectively.

For the four to six years old players, Tiong said the focus would be on their motor and sensory system and hand-eye coordination.

For the seven to 10 years old, the players will be more on game plan and skills and for the 11 to 16 years old is on their performance and drill, he added.

Tiong said it would be very unfortunate if they could not recruit enough players for its JDP events as it would be a waste of funds and other resources to engage the service of the Filipino coach.

Therefore he made a strong appeal to the parents to lend their inevitable support to ensure the success of the JDP.

“Parents, undoubtedly, play a crucial role in ensuring the success of JDP. They are not only the front liners but very often, it is through their encouragement and motivation that inspired their children to pick up the respective sport,” he added.

Tiong hoped that SMK Chung Hua could produce good players in time to come.

Meanwhile, SMK Chung Hua principal Tham Yoh Yin, speaking at the recruitment drive said the school had always excelled in both the academic studies and co-curricular activities.

“If the students can juggle their time wisely between sports and studies, there is always the possibility that they can excel in both.”

She also appreciated the support rendered by the Sibu Division Education Officer, teachers and SDLTA coaches in implementing the programme.