by bringing Timorese Kids’ Coaches and Players to Australia
Background to Timor-Leste Kids’ Tennis
Timor-Leste Kids’ Tennis (TLKT) was established in 2008 when the program was launched by Dr Jose Ramos Horta, President of TimorLeste. TLKT is a program of FETTIL, the National Tennis Federation in Timor-Leste.
The TLKT program aims to make tennis related activities, ball skills, fitness and mini tennis available to all children through schools and the community. Aspects incorporated into each program delivery include an appreciation of their environment, hygiene, nutrition and, importantly, trust and respect for others.
It is only in recent years that FETTIL has been recognised by the ATF and the ITF. And, in June 2024 the first two young boys represented Timor-Leste and FETTIL internationally for the first time, competing in Singapore against some very strong national teams, including Malaysia and Singapore. The Timor-Leste team won against Brunei….a great achievement for these under-12 players and recognition of the hard work of the Timor-Leste Kids’ Tennis Program (TLKT), the tennis clubs in Dili and FETTIL.
January 2025 Initiative
Tennis ACT has invited 3 TLKT coaches and 4 children, two boys and two girls, to Canberra in January 2025. The coaches are: Armindo da Costa (Coordinator TLKT and Junior Tennis Initiative National Coach); Moises Freitas (Assistant Coach TLKT); and a female coach (to be confirmed). 
The planned program will include mentoring and support for the coaches and a one-week tennis camp for the kids, where they will have the opportunity to train and play against local tennis players.
The development of tennis in Timor-Leste is at a critical and important stage of development. This opportunity will give the children selected a chance to experience international training and competition in a supportive environment and continue to build important links between Timor-Leste and Australia. The project will provide ongoing benefit through the development of coaching skills and links with Australian coaches.
Support
Tennis ACT will cover the costs of the tennis camp and support for coaches. Beyond that, it is estimated that international travel for 7 participants, visas, accomodation, local travel, meals and incidentals will cost up to AUD 20,000.
Donations can be made through Canberra Friends of Dili (BSB062 905, account no. 10102523)
Please email fay@padarin.net to specify the donation is for the kids’ tennis project.
