US Tennis Foundation Brings Development Program to Nigeria’s Youth
The AJ Tennis Foundation, based in the United States, is set to launch a comprehensive tennis development program in Lagos, Nigeria, targeting over 500 students across different locations from November 10 to November 14, 2023.
The initiative, dubbed “better Nigeria through tennis initiative,” combines tennis instruction with mentorship and citizenship education. Working in collaboration with the International Tennis Academy (ITA), led by Godwin Kienka, the program aims to enhance both playing skills and character development among participants.
Former ATP player Cesar Gomez will head the technical team, bringing his extensive experience from similar programs in South America. Nigerian-American Tolu Adeleye, a key organizer of the project, emphasizes its holistic approach to sports development and youth mentoring.
The program has scheduled sessions across multiple venues in Lagos. Students from the Mainland will gather at the National Stadium Tennis Centre on Monday, while Lagos Island students will participate on Tuesday. The Greensprings School in Lekki will host students from that area on Thursday, November 13.
Additional coaching sessions are planned for November 12 at the National Stadium and November 14 at the Ikoyi Club. The newly-elected president of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Victor Ochei, is scheduled to attend the final session and closing ceremony at the Ikoyi Club, marking the culmination of this international tennis development initiative.
The program represents a significant step in developing tennis at the grassroots level in Nigeria, combining international expertise with local organizational support to nurture the next generation of tennis players while promoting positive citizenship values.
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