Club News: Tennis NZ Youth Advisory Group research results

We know that there is lots happening in the youth voice space around the country.  Taking time to understand how to work with young people to support youth leading and initiating action is vital to the future of tennis. 

The Tennis NZ Youth Advisory Group (YAG) has been actively listening too and backing up what so much research shows us: participation is about friends, fun and a comfortable environment. 

Some of the Tennis NZ YAG's latest findings include...

Club online survey results July - Aug 2023

Ages (10 – 23). 24% indicating they are comfortable playing with friends.  24% Access to tennis through school and tertiary education venues would encourage participation. 40% said fun programmes, social options & casual play would increase participation showing a lean away from traditional tennis. Ease of accessing through school/Uni courts important. Barriers mostly other commitments 43%. Confidence and lack of experience ranks 32%.

Love Tennis interactive survey Sept 2023

Age (10-23) Playing with friends ranked highly 29%, along with playing with family 25%, showing us 54% lean towards playing more casually with people they are familiar with.  20% learning a new sklll, followed by meeting new people, 12%, club progs 8% and holiday/weekend play 6%.

Hamilton Racquethon festival, Hamilton Sept 2023
  

Players Intermediate pupils (11 & 12 year olds) 85% were novice players.  The indications are similar to Love Tennis finding for this age group, its very much centered around friendships and family, people they are comfortable with.