Grant sets up youth for smashing tennis success
Charles Mehlape was a young boy in South Africa when he first saw the Wimbledon grand slam tournament on television. He was captivated instantly.
“I’d never really known tennis until I saw it,” he recalls. “I was curious and wanted to try it. Once I started, I never looked back.”
Today, Charles is a professional tennis coach at Ascot Vale Tennis Academy and the founder of Tip Tennis, a program helping children and families across Moonee Valley access a sport that is often perceived as expensive or out of reach.
Tip Tennis combines introductory tennis programs with talent identification pathways, creating opportunities for young people from migrant and low-income communities to participate, grow and, in some cases, pursue the sport at a higher level.
The organisation last year received a Biannual Community Grant to help more young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to build confidence and develop new skills on the tennis court.
“Sometimes a child arrives not knowing what to expect. A few weeks later they’re the first one on court, excited to play. Seeing their confidence grow and watching them achieve things they didn’t think they could do is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
“[The grant] helped families trust the program and made it possible for children from low-income families to participate. With the cost of living and the cost of sport increasing, that support has been incredibly important.”
Just as valuable, Charles says, was the support he received throughout the application process.
After approaching the Djerring Flemington Hub for advice, Charles was connected with Council grant officers who helped him navigate the application process and develop his proposal.
For community organisations, clubs and local residents considering applying for a Council grant, Charles has one message: don’t hesitate.
“I would highly recommend it. The grants create opportunities, strengthen communities and help turn great ideas into something that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
The impact of the funding is already being seen on court. Through Tip Tennis, Charles has identified several young players with the talent and determination to progress beyond introductory programs and into mainstream tennis pathways. Some are now being connected with clubs, academies and development opportunities that may one day lead to competition at state or national level.
And Charles believes there might be some future tennis stars in Moonee Valley who will one day be ready for the world stage.
“There is a lot of potential,” he says with a smile. “Watch this space.”
Community grant applications open July 17.
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