Sport
16 March, 2026
New young tennis talent
YOUNG tennis players in Cairns are stepping onto the competitive stage as local tournaments resume across the region.
Coach Alwyn Musumeci said participation in junior programs had been strong as the season began following the Australian Open.
“We’ve had a lot of tournaments at the moment,” he said.
“It’s been great, like we’ve had a lot of kids coming into programs and stuff like that. So, a lot of kids have been involved in a lot of tennis and just basically given the opportunity to play, which is great.”
Mr Musumeci said tournaments for junior players were being held regularly across the Cairns region.
“We’ve actually got a dedicated circuit for the kids to play as well, especially new kids that are joining in.”
Several young players have already begun to stand out in the local competition pathway.
“So, we’ve got some really stand-out kids like Bowden, Lord, Margaret, Morgan, these kids are all in, you know, hot shots, which is our coloured ball program,” Mr Musumeci said.
“They’re playing competently, like competition level, which is great.”
The Hot Shots program introduces younger players to competitive tennis and feeds into the tournament pathway, with players competing every couple of weeks around the Cairns region.
Bowden and Margaret, both aged 10 and based in Cairns, are among the players progressing through the system.
Bowden is coached by Mr Musumeci, while Margaret trains under coach Dylan Emerson.
Mr Musumeci said the competitive pathway allowed young players to travel between tournaments across the region and test themselves against other junior competitors.
“So basically, their level is dependent on how they train and go into those tournaments,” he said.
The junior tournament circuit is supported by Tennis Queensland, with McDonald’s serving as the major sponsor. Local businesses, including Fowler’s Group, also support the program.
Junior tournaments are expected to continue every couple of weeks as the season progresses, providing more opportunities for young Cairns players to compete and develop their skills.
