One of Sri Lanka’s top tennis players, Janali Manamperi, has joined Tennis Kids, an organisation dedicated to introducing children to competitive tennis in Solihull. Janali, who is currently part of the Sri Lankan Billie Jean King Cup team, is set to represent her country in the next series of international matches this summer.

Tennis Kids: Creating Opportunities for Young Players

Tennis Kids was founded by a team of professional coaches with the goal of providing children aged 4 to 15 with the opportunity to compete against opponents of a similar ability. Using smaller courts and sponge balls for younger players, the programme gradually progresses to full tennis, ensuring that every child, regardless of experience, gets the chance to develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Tournaments for all ages and abilities now take place every Sunday at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, offering a consistent and accessible matchplay experience for local children.

The Importance of Consistency in Tennis

Janali emphasised the need for regular match opportunities for young players, particularly those at the beginner level:

"One of the things I hear often is why there aren’t more matches for children, especially those who are younger or still developing their skills. Parents don’t like waiting in the cold or travelling miles just to get their child into a match."

To address this, Tennis Kids is introducing weekly fun competitive tournaments in Solihull, all officiated by qualified umpires and featuring exciting prizes. Every child is guaranteed a minimum of two matches, and live draws on the day add to the excitement.

Tournaments for Everyone

For children who are new to tennis, rackets are provided, and coaches focus on helping them rally quickly so they can start competing as soon as possible. Those already receiving lessons will find the tournaments a great way to gain match experience and improve their game.

Tennis Kids Academy: Developing Future Champions

Beyond its tournaments, Tennis Kids is committed to developing young players through the Tennis Kids Academy. The academy focuses on technical skills, fitness, and mental resilience, providing children with the foundation to reach their full potential in the sport.

Inspired by the journeys of rising British stars like Jack Draper, the academy instils a love for tennis from an early age, encouraging young athletes to dream big and work hard towards their goals.

With Janali Manamperi leading the way, Tennis Kids is set to inspire the next generation of young players in Solihull and beyond.