Community development programme at Ridge Park Sports Club
Local community tennis project
It’s for this very reason that the Ridge Park Sports Club is now hosting a community development programme in partnership with the Ntopwa Tennis Academy, offering children in the neighbouring communities the opportunity to learn to play tennis.
Carlos Chimatilo is heading up this academy. Previously from Malawi, where he started at the age of seven, being a ball boy at his local country club, he now resides in the south of Johannesburg.
“I love the game of tennis, I played as a junior for Malawi in international championships and I know the impact this game had on my life,” he said.
He approached management at Ridge Park Sports Club with the idea of a development programme for children, as well as offering private and group lessons.
“They agreed as they understood the value it would bring to their neighbours and to the lives of these children. We keep the fee for the children in the programme very low. I still have to provide the equipment such as the rackets and the balls.
“To witness their sense of achievement when they master a stroke, makes up for everything,” said Chimatilo.
He has 50 children in his academy and lessons are provided each Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Private and group lessons can be arranged at a time that would suit the players.
Contact Chimatilo on 073 163 2027 or at carloschimatilo09@gmail.com for further information.
