Mid West kids prepare for D’Arcy Slater & Women in Tennis Foundation tournament in Bunbury later this month

The prestigious D’Arcy Slater and Women in Tennis Foundation cups tournament is back for another year as Mid West athletes begin preparations to venture to Bunbury later this month. The tournament is one highlighted in every regional club’s calendar and provides players with the chance to compete outside of their region and play against different country clubs. Last year, the event attracted more than 100 children from regional centres across Western Australia. Mid West head coach Alana Miles said she was looking to build on what was a successful showing at last year’s tournament. “Last year we had a really great turnout of kids who went down with us to compete, which was really pleasing to see,” Miles said. “This year we are taking down 17 girls and four boys participating in all three divisions. “It just shows that tennis is growing and that we do have the capabilities here in the region to grow tennis. “It is always a great experience for the kids and a great chance to be able to compete with other regions outside of Geraldton.” Miles said the tournament was more than just about winning, with the importance from the coaching staff being placed on the whole experience for their athletes as they looked to compete against other regions. “The great thing about the D’Arcy Slater is the significance of it being a country tournament, the kids go and they meet other country kids that are in a similar situation of playing sport in regional towns,” she said. “It’s about creating that experience for them, giving them those memories, those bonds, creating a history of tennis, a culture which is with like any sport, growing. “We (Tarcoola Park Tennis Club) are working with Emma and Danny Bowen from the Geraldton Tennis Centre to really build tennis and grow these opportunities for the kids.” The kids from the Mid West will be travelling to Bunbury for the D’Arcy Slater Women in Tennis tournament which runs from October 25 to October 29.