ITF

ITFWorld // SPRING 2018 2 5 world, so we're really pleased to be opening officially the centre here in Nairobi," explained Haggerty. "By having top coaches in centres like these to work with the players who are developing, to be able to travel as a team around Africa and then go on to Europe and other parts of the world – it's very, very important." Haggerty also officially commissioned the construction of Kenya's new national training centre at Moi, Kasarani, which Tennis Kenya hopes will pave the way for the country to host more global tournaments and offer talented young players an opportunity to succeed at the highest level. ITF investment in tennis facilities has been significantly boosted over the last year, and encouraging member nations to establish their own national training centres (NTCs) is seen as an important way to grow the sport. The ITF announced a new Facility Grant Programme in 2017, making three types of grants available: to build or establish a new national training centre, to extend an existing one, or for maintenance. So far $682,000 has been awarded to 20 nations. In April the ITF introduced another new initiative, ITF Recognition of National Training Centres, to its member nations. The aim of this programme is to increase the standards of national training centres around the world, and give NTCs under the control of national associations the chance to receive ITF recognition. ➝ Students at the CAT/ITF/TK East Africa Training Centre with, centre, CAT President Tarak Cherif, ITF President David Haggerty and Tennis Kenya President James Kenani. Far left front is Thierry Ntwali, ITF Development Officer for East & Central Africa. Far right is Amine Ben Makhlouf, ITF Development Officer for West & North Africa, and Frank Couraud, ITF Development Manager

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