Bella Prince, an up-and-coming tennis player from the Bairnsdale Tennis Club, was privileged to be selected by Tennis Victoria to be a participant in the Future Leaders Program.
The Future Leaders program is an initiative-designed by Tennis Victoria to equip young tennis enthusiast with the skills and confidence to take on leadership rolls within their clubs and communities.
They act as a role model for young players, encouraging positive behaviour and sportsmanship, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all players.
In September 2024, Prince, who is 15 years old, attended a three-day urban camp based at Melbourne Park Tennis Centre, where she was joined by other future leaders from Victoria to develop leadership and equip them with skills and knowledge to take back to their local tennis clubs to support club growth within the regions.
As part of the program, Prince was invited to attend the 2025 Australian Open as a Future Leaders Coach to assist in the “Kids on Court” program.
The “Kids on Court” program is an initiative run by Tennis Australia where tennis clubs who participate in the Hots Shots program are invited to attend and have a practice at the Australia Open prior to their favourite stars entering the courts.
Throughout Prince’s time at the Australian Open she assisted in coaching the “Kids on Court” program on Rod Laver and Margaret Court arenas among others.
Prince, along with the assistance of the Bairnsdale tennis community, is now embarking on running her own junior tournament at the Bairnsdale Tennis Club on Sunday, February 16.
The singles match play day is designed to encourage competitive play within the region and promote an inclusive environment where all skill levels are welcome and encouraged.
At the completion of the tournament, Prince will be required to present the outcome of her project at the Future Leaders graduation back in Melbourne.
