Taranaki Youth
Youth Making a Difference in Taranaki
When three passionate young tennis players in Taranaki started talking about how to make tennis more fun and social for their friends, they sparked a movement. Their conversations led them to reach out to the Youth Programmes Officer, Ghislaine Brien, with a simple request: more opportunities for rangatahi (youth) to connect and play tennis together.
From that first contact, a dedicated youth group was born. Meeting with Ghislaine every 4–6 weeks, the group quickly grew from three to seven members—now including two males and five females, representing four local clubs. Their mission? To create more welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable tennis experiences for all young people in the region.
The group formalised three key objectives:
- Host a Social Youth Day after Love Tennis, inviting all local rangatahi to join in the fun.
- Launch a Business House–style League for youth, featuring timed games, music, and a BBQ—designed to welcome everyone, from complete beginners to experienced players.
- Organise a Girls on Court Gathering, with presentations on topics like nutrition, pilates, and resistance training, tailored to the interests of young women in tennis.
Communication is at the heart of their success. The group uses WhatsApp to stay connected, share ideas, and plan events. By shoulder-tapping friends and reaching out across clubs, they’ve built a supportive network that’s all about making tennis accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Why does this matter?
Research shows that young people are more likely to stay active and involved in sport when they feel socially connected and have a say in what’s on offer. According to Sport New Zealand, key factors that keep youth engaged include having fun, playing with friends, and feeling welcome regardless of skill level. Groups like the Taranaki youth team are putting these principles into action—creating opportunities that reflect what young people want and need.
By celebrating youth leadership and supporting their ideas, Taranaki clubs are helping to build a vibrant, active community—one where every young person can find their place on court.
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