More Than a Game: ETC Brings Tennis to Edmonton Classrooms

April 29th, 2026

This spring, with the generous support of Tennis Canada and Tennis Alberta, Edmonton Tennis Community (ETC) kicked off its 2026 free school programming at St. John XXIII Elementary School, and the energy on the courts was electric!

Over the course of two days and six classes, more than 200 Grade 4 and Grade 5 students picked up a tennis racquet, many for the very first time. Through fun games, structured activities, and skill-based drills, coaches Ana, Miguel, and Emma introduced students to the fundamentals of tennis in a dynamic, encouraging environment designed to make everyone feel welcome and capable.

The energy and love for the game grew with every rally. For Coach Emma, one team game captured everything that makes this program special: 

“One of the highlights of every class is a team-based game where students work together to hit the ball over the net while the coach tries to catch it. Points stack up fast, and once they get close to 2,000 the students start counting out loud together, and when they finally hit it, the gym erupts! Watching that camaraderie unfold, with students rallying behind one another and celebrating as a team, is exactly the kind of moment that makes this work so meaningful.”

At the end of each class, students are asked what their favourite game or drill was. Time and time again, the answer is the same: "Everything!!!" It is a simple response, but one that speaks volumes about the joy and enthusiasm the kids bring, and it is a reminder of the positive impact ETC creates.

“We would like to sincerely thank the Edmonton Tennis Community for providing free tennis lessons to our grade 4 and 5 students at St. John XXIII Catholic School! The coaches were extremely knowledgeable and encouraging, which made the experience memorable for our students. Many students tried tennis for the first time and now have a new-found love for the sport! They've even asked me if we can have the Edmonton Tennis Community back next year for more lessons. We are truly grateful for the programming they were able to provide and the positive impact it has had on athletics in our school community." says Cheyenne Kopinsky, Instructional Coach.

Making the program truly accessible is a priority for ETC. All necessary equipment, including racquets, tennis balls, and nets, is supplied and brought directly to the school, so that students can focus entirely on learning and enjoying the sport without any barriers to participation.

Now in its second year, ETC's free school programming reflects an ongoing commitment to youth sport development and community engagement. Each school visit leaves a lasting impression on hundreds of children and cultivates a lifelong love of physical activity.

With the support of its partners, ETC will continue delivering free tennis programs to schools across Edmonton throughout May and June, reaching even more students and communities along the way!