Tennis coach, Henry Shedrack has lamented the poor state of the game of lawn tennis in Nigeria , even as he is planning big for the sport .
Shedrack, a certified coach from the International Tennis Federation [ITF],disclosed this while promoting the image of his fast rising sports institution, Henry Shedrack Tennis Academy.
Stating reasons behind the foremost tennis institution targeted at enthusiasts from age five and above, Shedrack said his idea is a means of reviving the game and giving back to the society.
The erstwhile captain of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, however disclosed unlimited benefits awaits young tennis proteges willing to register with his academy sited in Lekki, Lagos.
“I realised that the game of tennis is fading away here in Nigeria. Our government now focuses on soccer which is not supposed to be.
“The idea of having a tennis academy came from one of the founding fathers of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, late Alhaji Adejumo whose tennis club sports is located around the Ejigbo axis of Lagos.
“When growing up, I used to go play tournaments over there and I was also a tennis teacher in several schools.
Having remembered my background, I think it’s high time I give back to society. The academy will be welcoming kids from rich and poor Nigerians. Quality and certified coaches have been hired to train anyone willing to learn. Entrance will be open for ages five and above which I believe it’s the best age to catch any talent young.
“We are available from 3:30pm to 7:00pm at Italian International School and Priory Prep School in Lekki. Everybody can learn Tennis irrespective of their age. We are also welcoming kids who are less privileged. We will certainly dedicate time to them.
“I started as a ball boy, almost all the good players we find today, started as ball boys. I’m glad to know that some parents also are now thinking about their kids playing tennis. We saw some kids playing a few tournaments during the holidays and we’re happy not only ball boys are interested in this. Even kids of unknown faces are here also playing the game of tennis.
“Interested kids will also be open to International tourney and exposure from top notch tennis coaches. I hope parents give their kids more chances just as they’ve given it to the game of soccer,’ he opined.