Sport
31 March, 2024
Special report: Kids forced to make choice in crossover
SPORTS-MAD youngsters were being forced to make a choice between summer sport finals and winter sport training and camps, according to tennis coach Paul Condliffe. The one-time Serpentine footballer who runs tennis clinics across the region said...
SPORTS-MAD youngsters were being forced to make a choice between summer sport finals and winter sport training and camps, according to tennis coach Paul Condliffe.
The one-time Serpentine footballer who runs tennis clinics across the region said extended demands for football and netball training and earlier timing of practice matches “impacts them 100 per cent if they are in summer sport finals”.
“It’s been going on for quite a while. Football has become a lot more professional and it’s where the money is,” Condliffe said.
“It’s getting that way that juniors are following the same training routines as the seniors.”
Condliffe also said that youngsters wanting to continue skill development in a sport like tennis tried to juggle lessons with winter sport training.
“At this time of year, you are always switching lesson times around because they clash with football or netball,” he said.
Traditionally Saturday morning sport for juniors, Condliffe believes Friday twilight rounds were an option for the future.
Loddon Valley association, formed from the old Pyramid Hill and Dingee competitions, was the only tennis competition in the Loddon Shire running a regular junior schedule.
“Charlton has done a great job with its lights and not playing in the heat of the day. Friday or Saturday nights could be where things are heading,” he said. “Friday nights might be the one though as parents don’t seem to want their weekends interrupted as much.
“To be successful with numbers in the seniors we need juniors coming through to at least maintain the teams we have.
“Otherwise we will be falling away with both numbers and club wise.”
Condliffe laments that youngsters are being forced to choose between winter sport practice matches and taking the tennis court for a semi or grand final. “There used to be a gap between the seasons. There’s not now.”