SPORT 30 coaches begin ITF training in Port Harcourt
The second phase of the ITF National Level One Coaches Course commenced yesterday at the Port Harcourt Club, Old GRA, with over 30 participants.
The nine-day programme which is being conducted by ITF instructor for West Africa, Rotimi Akinloye is part of efforts by the Nigeria Tennis Federation to churn out quality coaches that would take tennis in the country to a higher level.
According to NTF board member Isaac Uzorma, who is sponsoring the programme, the course will be a turning point regarding the quality of coaches especially in the South-south who have lots of good coaches but are not certified as professional.
He said: “The enthusiasm is huge and we are delighted to have the privilege of having an international course in this part of the country for the very first time. We have coaches but none of them can be regarded as professional but by the time they end this course next week, their status would have changed which will see them earn respect everywhere they go because they are ITFcertified coaches.”
He thanked the river state government for their support and the management of the Port Harcourt Club for the provision of their facilities which is being used by the participants from Rivers, Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom and Abia.
Course Instructor, Akinloye expressed joy that more Nigerian coaches are getting certified by the sports world governing body, and urged participants to take the course serious noting whatever they learn will reflect in their coaching philosophy.