Albury NSW and former Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash create a historical milestone in the region with more than 200 students engaged in the Schools Future Fit Program.
The Schools Future Fit Program initiative was a first for regional New South Wales with Year 6 students in attendance from Glenroy Public School, Lavington East Public School, North Albury Public School, Springdale Heights Public School and Hume Public School to improve their physical fitness and mental well-being on 18 February.
The national education program launch created a spectacular buzz at the Albury Grass Courts where Australian tennis legend, Pat Cash joined students on the day in a series of tennis focused drills, developing new skills and giving kids a sense of belonging.
Franchisee owners of the Albury, Lavington and Wodonga Homemaker McDonald’s stores, Edward and Elisa Aldridge said: “It was great to see so many kids take part in this fabulous program, learning new skills and having a great time. We feel privileged to be able to help bring this event to Albury.”
The inaugural event was celebrated in partnership with Tennis NSW, Albury Grass Courts, Australian Tennis Foundation and Albury McDonald’s.
Co-founder and Patron of Youth of Tomorrow Pat Cash said: “It’s always been about giving back to Aussie kids.”
The Schools Future Fit Program is curriculum aligned and promotes social inclusion and diversity, physical health, mental wellbeing, gender equality and sustainability.
Tennis NSW also played a key role by providing provisional funding and organised nine qualified coaches to deliver this special event.
Schools Development Manager of Tennis NSW Patrick Landy said: “It’s great to be able to provide inclusive, fun and affordable tennis opportunities like this for kids from all backgrounds, we’re excited to see some of them continue their tennis journey at local clubs and at their school thanks to additional program funding available from the Australian Tennis Foundation.”
Youth of Tomorrow has commenced the national regional roll-out of the Schools Future Fit Program and aims to introduce this national initiative to many communities from low socio-economic areas.
Chief Executive Officer of Youth of Tomorrow Umit Oraloglu said: “The Albury community were incredibly supportive, and we thank them for enabling this opportunity for kids in their region.”
For the first time, school children had the opportunity to step foot onto the world-class Albury Grass Courts and walk through the club house to understand the historical milestones achieved locally.
President of Albury Tennis Association Peter Penny said: “Thank you to Youth of Tomorrow, Pat Cash and all program partners for your leadership and support in delivering this initiative for our local students and community.
Most importantly, thank you to Youth of Tomorrow, Umit and Pat Cash for coming to Albury and delivering this outstanding program. We are very proud of our grass courts and tennis community, and we enjoyed every aspect of the program. We are also proud to be the first regional location in NSW to deliver this wonderful opportunity for our local students.”
Once the program concluded, school children were gifted with a bag of goodies such as a water bottle and vouchers from Albury McDonald’s and a tennis racquet and tennis ball from the Australian Tennis Foundation with all 200 tennis balls signed by Pat Cash.
Additionally, as part of each school’s attendance the Australian Tennis Foundation will provide every school with a free school’s equipment pack as well as funding for the foundation’s Kids Tennis Program to be delivered at their school by coaches that are accredited by Tennis Australia.
Through sport and community engagement the Schools Future Fit Program is an active education pathway that creates a greater sense of belonging across communities.
