Phase Two of Beach Tennis Global Development Programme Launched
The ITF this week launched the second phase of the Beach Tennis Global Development Programme. Through the partnership with Global Development Partner Sandever which is part of the Decathalon brand, the programme aims to assist nations in launching, and growing, beach tennis.
The first phase involved 200 SANDEVER Superkits (each comprising of one court, four paddles and six balls) being distributed to 40 nations across the world. The kits allowed nations to set up tournaments and festivals to inspire people to take up the game and were welcomed in every country.
Read: Nations excited about growing beach tennis
Read: Malaysia hails impact of Sandever Beach Tennis Superkits
Having been delayed due to the pandemic, the second phase will see a further 200 kits distributed later in 2022.
While the kits were the driving force of phase one, phase two will see the kits move to a more integrated role within the programme – enabling the delivery of a more formal development plan with Beach Tennis festivals at their core.
Jackie Nesbitt, ITF Senior Executive Director, Tours & Player Pathway said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Sandever to inspire more people to try beach tennis. The growth of the sport in Brazil showcases what can be achieved and we are looking forward to working with nations to explore how they can develop this fast-paced and dynamic sport.”
Paolo Ceraudo, SANDEVER Beach Tennis Leader, added: “Sandever with Decathalon are proud to partner with the ITF to deliver the Global Development Programme. Providing opportunities for more people to get active in beach tennis is a key goal for Sandever and we see the new enhanced programme as a great vehicle to achieve this.”
Ninety-two nations are represented on the Beach Tennis World Tour – a tour with over 200 events delivered in over 35 nations. In addition, Beach Tennis is part of the ANOC World Beach Games, a biannual event held in Qatar in 2019, with the next edition in 2023.