“Who plays tennis here?“. These are the words written, via graffiti, on the La Viste tennis court, in the 15th arrondissement of Marseille, where a club will open its doors next September.
During the inauguration of TC La Viste this Wednesday, a certain enthusiasm was already strongly felt. President of AS Time, an association working for the development of tennis in working-class neighborhoods around the world, Guy Pinna is behind the project with Toufik Mouzaia: “I want to delegate and hand over to young people like Toufik who want to take charge and act in their own neighborhoodhe explains. Social diversity, between children from the southern and northern districts of the city, is very important in this project. We want to organize tournaments to make this club known. This allows people to see that this sport is open to everyone. It’s my hobby horse.”
Affordable rates (from 3 to 5 euros per hour, depending on the age of the child) for renewable sessions of six sessions will be offered from the next school year. “It will cost around 150 euros per yearspecifies Guy Pinna. We want to make this sport affordable and we expect between 60 and 100 young licensees.”
“When I was little, my friends didn’t understand why I played tennis and not ball.confides Toufik Mouzaia. I got a taste for it and I can’t wait to coach again.“He hopes to encourage new vocations.”Families in the neighborhood will be able to register their children for tennis. I sincerely believe that we can have champions here.“, jubilant Mounir Ghares, director of the La Viste social center which adjoins the court.
A great challenge, without forgetting the social dimension of the project.
