The U of M Tennis Club (UMTC) president, Craig Hillier, has stated that the club is committed to supporting the Winnipeg Newcomer Sport Academy (WNSA) with the logistical and technical help it needs. This follows UMTC’s donation of court space and coaching services as part of its partnership with WNSA.
“The [U of M] donates space to the WNSA as part of its partnership,” said Hillier. “The UMTC is committed to providing high-quality introductory and developmentally-appropriate tennis experiences for the WNSA. Our coaches, who are certified Tennis Canada instructors, bring extensive knowledge and expertise to the program.”
Hillier outlined the range of support the UMTC has extended to the WNSA over the past two years. “This year’s tennis sessions mark our second successful year of conducting sessions for WNSA at the [U of M],” he said. “Last year, sessions were held on the outdoor courts.” But this fall, they have been taking place on Thursday evenings for an hour and a half indoors at the Max Bell Centre, in the James Daly Fieldhouse. He also stated, “UMTC offered enjoyable introductory tennis sessions that focused on developing rallying skills, fostering connections and contributing to the WNSA community.”
He described the experience from both the organizers’ and participants’ perspectives as one that promotes friendships, builds foundational sports skills and “important mental skills […] particularly for newcomers to [Canada].” He included, “These sessions go beyond just sports — they foster a deep sense of belonging [and] offer opportunities to become integrated into the wider Winnipeg sports community.”
Hillier said the program has a promising future, with plans underway to expand it into a year-round initiative for participants. “The [UMTC] is fully committed to maintaining our relationship in the future, especially as we look forward to the availability of indoor court times. Rest assured, our sessions will continue at the outdoor courts at [U of M]. One of the most remarkable aspects of tennis, as with the Olympics, is its ability to unite people from diverse cultures. We eagerly anticipate sharing more experiences and building a long-lasting connection with the WNSA.”
He pointed out the ambitions that guide the program’s approach to developing talents. He noted, “UMTC and WNSA collaborate to develop sports talent through several key initiatives.” These include skill development, participation, mentorship, mental and social growth and inclusivity. These efforts focus on structured training, creating a welcoming environment, providing culturally competent coaching, building resilience and teamwork and ensuring opportunities for underrepresented groups.
To Hillier, this is “a holistic approach that integrates skill development, mental resilience and community support.”
He added, “Inclusivity creates an environment where individuals can thrive both as athletes and as active members of their communities.”
Hillier explained eligibility to participate is determined by specific criteria that participants must meet. “To participate in the WNSA program, individuals must be low-income newcomers or new to Canada, having arrived within the last five years.”
“Children are encouraged to participate once or twice a week, year-round. This WNSA strategy aligns with its three pillars — resettlement, integration and inclusion,” stated Hillier. The age limit for the program ranges from ages five to 14, and it is gender inclusive.
He highlighted the importance of accessibility, adding that the program comes at no cost to participants, with WNSA providing transportation. “Sport is quickly becoming an exclusive experience with many barriers to participation, such as cost and transportation. WNSA aims to remove these barriers to participation for families with limited resources.”
More information can be found at wnsa.ca or by emailing [email protected].
