From Wimbledon to red dirt, Grand Slam champion and world No. 1 Ash Barty is continuing the legacy of Evonne Goolagong Cawley and inspiring the next generation of deadly tennis talent.
Barty travelled to Muṯitjulu and Mparntwe to deliver Tennis NT’s Racquets and Red Dust program which seeks to develop pathways into the sport.
Touching down in Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Country in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta National Park, the Ngarigo woman dusted off her racquet for a hit with the young ones at Muṯitjulu school.
A humble champion, Barty said it was just as much an experience for her as it was for the kids.
Barty with Muṯitjulu students. Source: Tennis Australia
“There were 15 – 16 kids that had never picked up a racquet before,” she said.
“It’s part of my role, to provide those opportunities to get kids involved in the sport because that lights me up, seeing them smile and try something new for the first time . . . It reminds me of what it was like for myself.”
Barty recognised the program as an opportunity for young ones to try out tennis in a “simple and safe way” with the guidance of qualified coaches.
“Today is probably one of the most fulfilling moments of my life, and definitely the most fulfilling day I’ve had this year. It’s been an incredible moment, I’ve gotten so much out of it and I’ve loved every minute,” she said.
Touring alongside Barty was Ramindjeri man and Tennis NT Indigenous Programs Lead Anzac Leidig. Having worked with former World No. 1, Wiradjuri woman Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Mr Leidig sees Barty as continuing that legacy.
“She is really natural with kids and Evonne was really natural with the kids, and I can see this baton being passed down,” he said.
“With all the work Evonne has done with Aboriginal kids and now seeing Ash - how much she is giving back to all the communities around . . . it’s special.
“There is something there, it could be destiny, I don’t know. But those two have an amazing path and it’s incredible the role models they are, they’re living it. The kids see it.”
Muṯitjulu School Principal Trish Noy said despite a strong community passion for AFL, Racquets and Red Dust gives the students a taste of something different.
Ash and Anzac training Muṯitjulu students with Uluru in the distance. Source: Tennis Australia
“It’s given our kids an opportunity to experience a sport other than football. I believe in our kids having different strengths, and to give them a game that has more than kicking skills is fantastic,” she said.
“We have been able to use ash’s story to say you kids can be whatever you want. You can be an AFL player if you want, but you can also be like Ash, you can be a teacher, a principal or a policeman.
“We’ll use this visit to build on the career opportunities for the kids, and start to build on that dream of what they’d like to be.”
Ms Noy said one of the most attractive parts of the Racquets and Red Dust programs its sustainability.
“What I really like about the program is that it’s an ongoing thing, we can stay in touch. They’re leaving us equipment we can use with the kids,” she said.
“It’s gives a sense of ownership of the game of tennis in our community, that then stays within community and it is sustainable.”
In Mparntwe, Barty stopped at four schools - Braitling Primary, Gillen Primary, Our Lady of Sacred Heart and Living Waters Primary.
Arrente man and PE teacher at Gillen Primary Matt Axten was all smiles whilst teaching the kids alongside Barty.
“It’s not an opportunity you have everyday,” he said.
“We’re feeling very privileged to come and meet her, meet a champion like Ash – it was awesome.”
Racquets and Red Dust is the brainchild or Mr Leidig and Tennis NT Inclusion and Diversity manager Beth Caird, the program has supported over 1,500 First Nations children, in 20 different communities from Tiwi Islands to Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Country.
The workshops provide a pathway for kids to play at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival taking place on Larrakia Country in August this year.
