The search is on for Australia’s rural & regional tennis champions

The next generation of Australian tennis stars is competing for their places in the Australian Made Foundation Cup this month, with trials now underway nationwide. 

The Australian Made Foundation Cup is the only interstate tournament that gives young children from rural and regional Australia the opportunity to compete nationally.

The event forms part of the Australian Made Summer of Tennis, a joint initiative of the Australian Made Campaign and the Fed Cup Foundation.

The Australian Made Summer of Tennis celebrates home-grown athletes and local industry, highlighting the importance of supporting both to ensure a better future for all Australians.

“The Australian Made Foundation Cup reminds us all about the importance of nurturing local talent – whether that be the next generation of athletes, farmers or manufacturers,” Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, said.

“We are proud to support rural and regional Australia through this tournament.”

Australia’s Fed Cup Captain and tennis champion, Alicia Molik, is the initiative’s brand ambassador.

Other Australian Made Summer of Tennis highlights include ‘Breakfast with the Stars’ events in Sydney and Melbourne during the Apia Sydney International and the Australian Open.

The Australian Made Campaign and the Fed Cup Foundation will award the best and fairest male and female players each a $1,000 cheque to assist with their tennis development.

“Cost and travel constraints often prevent rural and regional players from participating in high level tennis, but  the Australian Made Foundation Cup gives country children the same opportunities as their city counterparts,” Fed Cup Foundation President, Judy Dalton said.

Some of Australia's greatest tennis players, such as Rod Laver, Margaret Court and Pat Rafter originated from country areas. In recent years, elite players such as Australian Open and Wimbledon Junior Champion Luke Saville and Australian Fed Cup player Jessica Moore have participated in the event.

The Australian Made Foundation Cup will be held at the Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club in Victoria from 11-15 January 2016, with the winners presented their awards on-court at the Kooyong Classic.