Ballkids
NT Ballkids Program
In 2023 Tennis NT founded the first ever Northern Territory Ballkids Program. Ballkids play an integral role in ensuring that tennis tournaments run smoothly. NT Ballkids have been used on court during the back-to-back Mens Pro Tour events held in Darwin in September as well as some of our local event finals.
Our first ever NT Ballkid was selected in 2022 from our National Indigenous Carnival to be a part of the Australian Open. This was then repeated in 2023 with our second First Nations ballkid from the NT was selected to attend.
Tennis Australia also then launched the first Top Guns Program which saw our third NT ballkid selected for this program to also travel to Melbourne and be a part of the Australian Open.
Tennis NT Ballkids Program 2025/26
It’s not too late to get involved! We are seeking expression of interest for NT based kids who are interested in the opportunity of learning to become a ballkid for the remainder of 2025/early 2026.
This will see NT kids have a possible opportunity to be selected to go to the Australian Open and ballkid professional matches, as well as other Summer of Tennis opportunities.
Ages 11-15 will be considered (including those who are currently aged 10, turning 11 in 2025).
How do I apply?
You can apply for the program by emailing [email protected]
2024/25 Program Calendar
Please see below for the calendar of events for 2025. Note that some of these dates and times are still to be confirmed.
| Session |
Time and Location |
|
Training session 1 |
Saturday 12th of April 10-11:30am @DITC |
|
Training session 2 |
Monday 28th of April 5-6pm @DITC |
|
Training session 3 |
Saturday 17th of May 10-11:30am @DITC |
| Training Session 4 |
Saturday 24th of May 10-11:30am @DITC |
|
Training Session 5 |
Saturday 31st of May 10-11:30am @DITC |
|
Junior ITF #1 Final |
Sunday 1st of June Time TBC @DITC |
|
Junior ITF #2 Final (TBC) |
Friday 6th of June Time TBC @DITC |
| NT 10K event (TBC) |
Monday 9th of June Time TBC @DITC |
|
Training session 5 |
Monday June 16th 5-6pm @DITC |
|
Training session 6 |
Saturday 19th of July Time TBC (morning) @Tennis Palmerston |
|
Training session 7 |
Saturday 2nd of August Time TBC (morning) @Tennis Palmerston |
|
Training Session 8 |
Saturday 16th of August Time TBC (morning) @Tennis Palmerston |
|
Training session 9 |
Saturday 30th of August 10-11:30am @DITC |
|
Training Session 10 |
Saturday 13th of September 10-11:30am @DITC |
|
Training Session 11 |
Saturday 27th of September 10-11:30am @DITC |
|
Training Session 12 |
Saturday 4th of October Time TBC @DITC |
|
Pro tour #1 |
Sunday 5th of October Time TBC @DITC |
|
Pro Tour #2 |
Sunday 12th of October Time TBC @DITC |
|
Ballkids graduation/AO Announcement |
Sunday 19th of October Time TBC @DITC |
*Note: DITC – Darwin International Tennis Centre*
Opportunities
First Nations Program – Children will be selected from the National Indigenous Carnival. Must be Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander.
Summer of Tennis Leadership Program – 1-2 high performing ballkids Selected by our NT ballkids Coordinator, based on performance throughout the year.
Other Summer of Tennis Events – During the Summer of Tennis, opportunities arise for extra ballkids to join the teams for the likes of the Adelaide International, Hobart International and United Cup events.
Ballkids in action
The following video provides a demonstration of just some of the skills that you will need to help you become a ballkid – check them out!
Contact us
For more information about the NT Ballkids Program please email [email protected].
NT