First Set For Schools
Tennis in Schools is a national initiative led by Tennis Canada, bringing inclusive and engaging tennis experiences to elementary schools across the country.
Designed for students ages 6 to 13, the program provides teachers with ready-to-use resources, training, and community connections to help children discover the joy of tennis regardless of space, equipment, or prior experience.
Through Tennis BC and community tennis providers, the program builds lasting connections between schools and local clubs, ensuring students have opportunities to Try, Learn, and Play tennis both during and after school hours.
At Tennis BC, we recognize that like every child, every school and school district is unique.
We work collaboratively with each school to design programming that fits their needs, schedule, and goals. Flexible delivery options include:
• Try Days – one-day introductory sessions focused on fun and participation
• In-School Weekly Sessions – multi-week programs delivered at a competitive school rate
• After School Programs – structured lessons led by certified Tennis BC coaches
• Pro D Day Workshops – professional learning opportunities for teachers
• School Tennis Workshops – practical sessions to support PE teachers in confidently delivering tennis
We also recognize that school-based sports should not exist in isolation.
Tennis provides an opportunity to build a meaningful pathway into lifelong participation, helping students and families understand how they can continue playing in their community beyond the school day.
At the same time, introducing tennis in schools is about more than future players. The sport supports the development of physical literacy, including coordination, balance, agility, and confidence, equipping children with transferable movement skills that benefit all physical activity and sport.
Our goal is to make tennis accessible, adaptable, and sustainable within the school environment while supporting both long-term participation and the foundational skills that help children stay active for life.
If you are interested in more information, please contact anaudi@tennisbc.org
Curriculum Guide
A structured teaching tool designed for classroom delivery by educators
- Covers 36 lessons across Grades 1–3, 4–6, and 7–8.
- Each grade band includes 4 lessons for beginners, 4 for emerging players, and 4 for competent players.
- Built around four tactical tennis themes: Outlast the Opponent, Move the Opponent, Take Time Away, Gain Time.
- Aligns with provincial physical education outcomes and Tennis Canada’s Whole Player Development Pathway.
- Follows a Play-Practice-Play model: Minds-On → Action → Consolidation.
To gain FREE access to the curriculum guide, please contact (anaudi@tennisbc.org)
Activity Cards
A user-friendly bank of games and drills adaptable to any school setting.
- Organized into three categories: Minds-On, Action, Consolidation.
- Each card includes objectives, success criteria, movement skills, equipment needs, step-by-step instructions, diagrams, variations, and check-for-understanding prompts.
- Helps students build key tennis foundations, including the “Fundamental 5”: Grip, Setup, Impact Point, Hitting Zone, and Recovery.
- Can be used on their own or alongside the curriculum guide’s lesson plans.
To gain FREE access to these cards, please contact (anaudi@tennisbc.org)