Strathfield Sports Club - 2025-2026 regional NSW programs

In 2025, RALLY4EVER was grateful to receive a generous grant from Strathfield Sports Club to establish new programs in regional NSW. With this funding we have been able create training and accreditation pathways for the local community members as Tennis Australia Community Coaches; ongoing collaboration with local services and councils to embed tennis as a vehicle for social connection and wellbeing; maintaining support to other existing regional programs including Coffs Harbour, Pottsville, Grafton, West Port Macquarie and other regional cities Wollongong and Newcastle; as well as embarking on another ‘follow up’ trip to visit our new programs and existing programs requiring assistance.

The new programs that have started thanks to this funding are Broken Hill, Alstonville, Hay youth program, Armidale, Dubbo, Tamworth, Yass, South Wagga, Albury Wodonga and Grafton Pickleball

A lot of these programs have had great interest and feedback. We have been getting feedback saying that it is great to see tennis back in these communities that have courts but no one to play with. Seeing youth and kids picking up racquets brings about excitement for both families and communities. Unfortunately due to the heat within a lot of these regional areas the programs have not been able to maintain numbers. In these situations we have had them evolve to participating in Pickleball instead, to bring about people connecting. This way RALLY4EVER’s purpose of social inclusion and mental wellbeing can continue to be met through a different forum.

We have more regional programs ready to start in 2026, thanks to the ongoing support of Strathfield Sports Club.