When: Mondays and Wednesdays at 16:30

Where: At the St Francis Tennis Club

When two young girls from Sea Vista said they wanted to learn to play tennis, it didn’t take a lot of persuasion to get Noah Peens from St Francis Bay involved. He’s always had a passion for working with people and had been looking for ways to get involved in the Sea Vista Community. Remembering the enjoyment he had in tennis lessons when younger, he was eager to share that joy with the girls.

The Sea Vista Community

Soon two budding tennis players grew to nine and Noah needed help with coaching. He was joined by Lollie Hlela from Sea Vista. Stella Plantinga helps with organisation from arranging tennis balls and racquets, to recruiting new players, and Noah refers to her as the “star of our little group, and none of this would be possible without her”.

Rapid Progress

What has been the most rewarding for the coaches is the rapid progress the girls have made in such a short time. None of these girls had ever set foot on a tennis court before, now they can serve and play competitive matches against each other.

Laughter and fun are key and although things are competitive, the atmosphere on court is always positive and fun.

Noah has also gained from being part of this Community Umbrella Project. “I’ve learned  to remain open-minded and optimistic. In the beginning I really wasn’t sure how any of it would work but once we got on the court and started playing, everything fell into place and it was as joyful for me as it was for the girls”.

More Local Young People

Noah’s dream for the project is to invite more local young people to come and learn to play and for his protégés to play tennis matches against local schools, wearing their own identifiable team kit.

An immediate need is that on Sunday, 25 August at 13:00, there is going to be a tennis tournament at the St Francis Bay tennis court.

How can you be involved? Come and cheer the girls on. If you have suitable prizes to donate, can sponsor tennis kits or provide juices and snacks, please contact: Noah Peens (082 608 3014) or Stella Plantinga (071 144 6175).

See also: The Sea Vista Community Umbrella