Inclusion through sport - Fondation Espoir Développement introduces children to tennis

15 May 2025 - Group news

Fondation Espoir Développement Beachcomber (FED) has set up a Tennis Academy in May 2023 to introduce children from the village of Trou aux Biches to the sport, identify emerging talent and support their personal growth. A first group of 15 young boys and girls has already benefitted from the initiative and a second cohort joined the Academy on 3 May 2025 for a year-long training cycle. Sessions are held at the Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa tennis court. Let's take a closer look at this project, which highlights the power of sport to foster both development and inclusion.

Children aged 10 to 12 gather for two hours of coaching every Saturday under the guidance of the hotel's tennis coaches, Jim Bisasur and Yonel Legrec. FED provides all necessary equipment, including rackets, balls, shoes and sportswear. The sessions are designed to make learning basic tennis skills both fun and engaging.

During the first few weeks, the children learn how to handle a racket, control the ball and practise their first strokes. After this introduction, they move on to rallying over the net and gradually explore more technical aspects of the game, such as serving, forehand, backhand, volleying, smashing and drop shots.

"This Tennis Academy project goes beyond sport; it is about empowerment and inclusion. Children learn to respect themselves, their training partners and the rules of the game. It is also an opportunity to introduce them to the hospitality industry and to Beachcomber's culture and values. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire interest and awaken potential," says Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels' CSR Manager, Viren Vythelingum.

The first cohort completed their programme in June with a tournament, which also welcomed the children's parents. The young players took great pleasure in playing tennis and competing, showcasing their progress to the delight of their families.

This inaugural edition saw the emergence of promising talent. Five young players have been selected for a more advanced training phase launched in April, including Whynie Begué (14) and Louana Alexandre (15), who had never held a racket before joining the Academy.

"I have always been very active in athletics, swimming and dance. But I had never tried tennis because I didn't have access to the facilities. Thanks to the Academy, I have learned the basics and now I want to keep improving," says Whynie. "Tennis has become my passion! I look forward to Saturdays so I can play and learn new techniques. It is also a way for me to relax and escape, and it teaches great values," adds Louana.

The second intake began in early May at Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa. "This project is very close to our hearts. It combines sport with the development of each child. Seeing them grow, thrive and find joy through tennis is simply wonderful. Congratulations to the children and a heartfelt thank you to the parents for their support. Special thanks also to the Sports Centre team for their weekly dedication. Deep down, we carry the beautiful hope that one day, these young talents will shine on the national stage," says the resort's General Manager, Théodose Fleurié.

Inspired by the success of the Tennis Academy, FED now plans to expand the initiative to other regions.