Kids Tennis at North Sydney Tennis
Tennis Australia’s national Hot Shots program for children aged 3–16, right here at Ridge Street — close to Crows Nest, Kirribilli, Milsons Point, Neutral Bay, and surrounding suburbs.
37 Ridge Street, North Sydney NSW 2060
Tennis Australia’s national Hot Shots program for children aged 3–16, right here at Ridge Street — close to Crows Nest, Kirribilli, Milsons Point, Neutral Bay, and surrounding suburbs.
37 Ridge Street, North Sydney NSW 2060
Hot Shots Tennis
What is Hot Shots Tennis?
Hot Shots is the official kids tennis program developed and accredited by Tennis Australia. It uses modified court sizes, age-appropriate racquets, and lower-bouncing balls so children can actually play and rally from their very first lesson — not just practise strokes in isolation.
The program is structured into clear stages, each with a specific developmental focus. Early stages build coordination, motor skills, and confidence. Later stages introduce rally consistency, match play tactics, and competition preparation. Children move through the stages at a pace that suits them, with coaches tracking progress each term.
The Hot Shots program at Ridge Street welcomes children from age 3 through to age 16. There are no prerequisites. Whether your child has never held a racquet or has had some prior exposure to the game, our coaches will assess their ability at enrolment and place them in the stage that fits best.
North Sydney Tennis & Fitness is operated by Sydney Sports Management Group (SSMG), with direct affiliations with Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW. SSMG has over 30 years of experience managing sport and recreation venues across Sydney.
What Other Parents Say
Mutch Park Tennis is better when it’s shared. Here’s what our local community has to say about their experience on and off the court.
Greatly improved now that there is less sand on the courts. The bounce is now more consistent. The fences are a little too close to the baselines — deep lobs can be hard to return.
My local tennis court. Gets a bit sandy from time to time but thoroughly enjoy playing here, tennis on the weekends or one of Urban Rec's social sports like multisport or street soccer.
Competitions are run by Greg. He's a long time committed staff. Good lights. Great competitive tennis and good atmosphere. Soft base. Balls don't bounce very high.
Why Our Kids Tennis Program Matter for Parents
It’s built on a national standard
Hot Shots is not a local program invented by one club. It’s the official kids pathway from Tennis Australia, used at accredited venues across the country. Your child’s stage is recognised wherever they play next.
There’s a clear progression pathway
Each stage has a defined developmental focus. Children aren’t repeating the same thing term after term — they’re working toward a real next step, with coaches recommending advancement when the time is right.
Qualified coaching at a well-run facility
All sessions are delivered by Tennis Australia accredited coaches at Ridge Street Tennis Centre — a compact, welcoming facility with sand-based astroturf courts near North Sydney station.
The Hot Shots Stages at Ridge Street
Hot Shots is not “one group fits all.” The program separates children into similar age ranges and ability, with each stage focusing on specific skills so your child can progress toward playing a full game.
Hot Shots is also built as a pathway. As children move through stages and build confidence, they can work toward more advanced rallying and match play, and for some, eventually progress into squad lessons.
swipe to the right >>>
MEET OUR COACHES
Santiago Rodriguez
- 20 years of coaching experience with kids and adults in Australia, South America andEurope. Private and group lessons, as well as school programs with tennis andpickleball.
- Played tennis for 30+ years, including junior nationals and senior tournaments indifferent countries.
- A patient and thoughtful coach who wants players to enjoy their experience on thecourt by helping them understanding the game beyond their level.
Certifications:
- Tennis Australia Development Coach (Level 1)
- Certificate III in Sports Coaching.
- PTR Level 1 National and International tennis coach course.
- PTR Level 2 National and International high-level coach course.
- AATC Level 1 Development Tennis Coach certification from the Australasian Academyof Tennis.
- AATC Advanced Tennis Coach certification from the Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
- AATC Pickleball Coach.
- Estess accredited Pickleball Coach.
- First Aids & CPR qualified
Alejo Tenti | Senior Tennis Coach
Playing Background
- Former performance junior player with national-level competitive experience.
- 15 years of playing experience in competitive tennis.
- Developed strong technical, tactical, and competitive foundations through high-level junior competition.
Coaching Experience
- 7 years of coaching experience working with players of different ages and levels.
- Head Coach for the past 2 years, responsible for program development, player progression, and coaching leadership.
Coaching Qualifications
- AATC Accredited Coach – Development & Performance Coaching Courses.
- Tennis Australia Level 1 Coach – Junior Development.
- Tennis Australia Level 2 Coach – Club Professional.
Certifications
- First Aid & CPR Accredited.
Education
- Bachelor of Law (LLB).
Coaching Approach
- Focus on technical development, tactical awareness, and strong work ethic.
- Emphasis on positive learning environments and player confidence.
- Experience developing junior players from grassroots participation to performance pathways.
Paul Testoni - Hot Shots Coordinator
- Worked for Sydney Sports Management Group since 2018
- Roles include on-court coach and off-court Hot Shots Coordinator
- Covers sites across the North and the East
- Passionate about juniors’ tennis
- Delivers high quality lessons using cooperative learning activities
- Technique honed throughout career
- Kinder Tennis (beginner level)
- All levels up to high performance junior players
- Coached players who have gone on to hold significant Universal Tennis Rankings (UTRs)
- Has been playing since childhood
- Took a gap during adult years to pursue a career in fine dining
- Hot Shots Coordinator for the SSMG flagship centre, Heffron Park Tennis
- Hot Shots Specialist in Contemporary Tennis Australia Techniques
- Tennis Australia Community Coaching
- Tennis Australia Foundation Coaching
- Tennis Australia Junior Development L1
- Tennis Australia Club Professional L2
Ayodeji Omodara
- Coaching Professional
- An active player with a strong Universal Tennis Rating (UTR).
- Passionate about tennis since the age of 12, competing in numerous national and international tournaments, including university games, and winning many medals.
- Began coaching in Nigeria, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring players.
- Moved to Dubai to gain more experience and is now looking to continue his journey in Australia.
- Stays updated on the latest techniques and tactics, ensuring his coaching is innovative and effective.
- With a strong background in playing and coaching across three countries, Ayodeji brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and cultural adaptability.
- Committed to helping players unlock their potential and achieve success in the sport he loves.
Blake Brookman
- Over 15 years experience as a professional tennis player.
- Training at the Chris Evert Tennis Academy, Florida.
- Takes a holistic approach to coaching, focusing on agility and cardio health as well as technique.
- Trains all skill levels and ages with the same dedication, encouraging kids to try their best and improving the competitive game of my clients who want to reach their full potential.
- Available for private lessons across Sydney’s Lower North Shore and surrounding suburbs.
How to Be Part Of Our Kids Tennis Program?
View the current class schedule to find a day and time that works for your family. Sessions run across the school term.
Fill in our online enquiry form and we’ll confirm your child’s stage and available spots. If you have an Active Kids Voucher, email it before enrolling so we can apply the $100 discount.
Our team will confirm the right stage based on your child’s age and prior experience.
Arrive in comfortable sportswear with a water bottle and sunscreen. Coaches confirm stage placement on the day. Parents are welcome to watch from the sidelines.
After a few terms, your child’s coach will recommend advancement to the next stage. Hot Shots Tournaments and holiday camps are natural next steps.
What’s Included:
- Weekly coached group sessions in your child’s Hot Shots stage
Tennis Australia accredited instruction following the national Hot Shots framework
- Use of modified courts and age-appropriate equipment during sessions
- Ongoing stage progression assessment by our coaching team
- Access to Hot Shots Tournament and challenge events
What’s Not Included:
Tennis racquet — your child needs their own, sized to their stage. Our coaches can advise on the right size.
Tennis shoes — flat-soled, non-marking sports shoes are required. Chunky-soled runners are not suitable for court surfaces.
One-on-one private coaching — available separately via our [Private Lessons →] program.
How much does it cost?
Weekly pricing varies by stage and session length:
$27.50 / week
$34.50 / week
$36.50 / week
$42.00 / week
$44.00 / week
$44.00 / week
Active Kids Voucher: “$50 off” is referenced on the page, with instruction to email the voucher prior to registering.
More Tennis Options at North Sydney Tennis & Fitness
Hot Shots Tournament
A structured competition event for current Hot Shots participants — a chance to put skills into practice in a real match setting against others at a similar level. Low-pressure, well-organised, and a great motivator for children ready for competitive play.
LEARN MORE
School Holiday Tennis Camps
Intensive multi-day tennis experience across the major NSW school breaks for children of all levels, including complete beginners. Camp programs fill quickly each term.
LEARN MORE
Private Lessons
For children who want one-on-one focus, our Private Lessons program offers individual coaching with a Tennis Australia accredited coach — structured around your child’s specific stage and goals.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome children from age 3 in our Blue Stage (Launch Pad) program. If your child can engage with group activities and follow basic instructions, they’re ready to start. Contact us and we’ll help identify the right stage.
Yes. NSW Government Active Kids Vouchers provide $100 off enrolment. Email your voucher to us before registering. Vouchers are available through Service NSW.
Yes — stage progression is built into the program. Coaches monitor development each term and recommend advancement when your child is ready.
Please contact us directly at (02) 9929 7172 for details on our absence and make-up lesson policy.
Yes. Hot Shots is the official national kids tennis program developed by Tennis Australia. Ridge Street Tennis Centre delivers it under Sydney Sports Management Group, which maintains direct affiliations with Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW.
Yes. North Sydney Tennis & Fitness offers school sports programs. Contact us for details.
The centre is at 37 Ridge Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 — on the second level of a multi-storey car park near North Sydney train station. Accessible from Crows Nest, Kirribilli, Milsons Point, and Neutral Bay.
Please review our Policies page → for full details on absences.
For specific questions, contact us at (02) 9316 9785.
Yes — stage progression is built into the program. Coaches monitor development each term and recommend advancement when your child isready.
Yes. Hot Shots is the official national kids tennis program developed by Tennis Australia. Mutch Park Tennis + Squash delivers it under Sydney Sports Management Group, which maintains direct affiliations with Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW.
Yes. Mutch Park offers school sports programs for both primary and secondary schools, including tennis, squash, netball, and soccer. A bus service is also available. Schools can enquire here →.
Contact Us
37 Ridge Street, North Sydney NSW 2060
MON–THU 3:00pm–10:00pm
SAT 7:30am–3:00pm