Kids Tennis at Lane Cove
Tennis Australia’s national Hot Shots program for children aged 3–12, right here at Galuwa Recreation Centre , close to Longueville, Linfield, Chatswood, Artarmon, Ryde, Gladesville,and St Leonards.
📍 180 River Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
Tennis Australia’s national Hot Shots program for children aged 3–12, right here at Galuwa Recreation Centre , close to Longueville, Linfield, Chatswood, Artarmon, Ryde, Gladesville,and St Leonards.
📍 180 River Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
Hot Shots Tennis
What is Hot Shots Tennis?
Who is it for?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.
Who is it for?
The Hot Shots program at Galuwa Recreation Centre welcomes children aged 3 to 12. There are no prerequisites. Whether your childe 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 them best.
For older players (12+), Squad sessions are also available to support continued development and competitive play.
Galuwa Recreation Centre is managed by Sydney Sports Management Group (SSMG), which maintains direct affiliations with Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW.
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.
Why Our Kids Tennis Program Matters for Parents
Finding a consistent, well-run activity for your child on the Lower North Shore isn’t always straightforward. You want something safe, properly structured, easy to get to, and genuinely engaging — not just a way to fill an afternoon.
Here's what makes the program at Galuwa a practical choice for Lane Cove families:
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. The curriculum, equipment, and teaching approach all meet a consistent national standard — and your child’s stage is recognised wherever they play next.
The setting is genuinely good
Galuwa Recreation Centre sits at 180 River Road, Lane Cove — a purpose-built community recreation centre open seven days a week. Your child learns to play on proper outdoor courts, in a well-run environment that’s been designed for exactly this kind of program.
There's a clear progression pathway
From Kinder Tennis through to Ace Squad and Super Squad, 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.
The Hot Shots Stages at Galuwa Recreation Centre
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.
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MEET OUR COACHES
Mike Etherington
- Head Coach.
- Passion for teaching and playing tennis.
- 30 years of coaching experience, including 7 years abroad.
- Coached former world number 1 Andy Roddick at Rick Macci Tennis Academy
- USPTA certified professional since 1994.
- Coached 2023 Tennis Seniors Player of the Year Sanna Bedford (currently representing Australia at the World Teams Championships in Turkey 2025).
- 2009 World Masters Games bronze medallist.
- Two-time club champion at Manly Lawn Tennis Club (1998 & 2005).
- Former state-ranked junior.
- Australian top 15 senior ranking (previous world ranking of 269).
- Multiple State and Australian corporate games singles titles.
- Certificate III in Business.
- Bronze Medallion and Advanced Resuscitation Certificate.
Samantha Loveridge
- Tennis Coach.
- Holds a First Class BA (Hons) Sport Management Degree.
- 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching.
- 1st4sport Level 3 Award in Education and Training.
- 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Preparations for Coaching Sport.
- Advanced Tennis Coach Certification from the Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
- Development Tennis Coach Certification from the Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
- Special Olympics Certification for Inclusive Sport In Schools and Young Athletes
- First Aid & CPR qualified.
- Passionate about teaching, helping people improve, and using sport as a tool to benefit well-being.
Martina Caliari
- Senior Coaching Professional.
- Gym Instructor.
- Former EU semi-professional tennis player with 22 years of experience, starting at age 6.
- Certification in Tennis Australia Community Coaching.
- Advanced Tennis Coach Certification from The Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
- Development Tennis Coach Certification from The Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches.
- Certificate III in Personal Training.
- Certificate IV in Personal Training.
- Certificate IV in Sport Coaching.
- Diploma in Sport Coaching.
- Passionate about learning and coaching, bringing great energy to her classes.
How to Be Part of Our Kids Tennis Program
Getting your child started is a straightforward process:
The simplest first step. Contact us to arrange a free trial lesson at a time that suits your family — no commitment required.
Download our current Hot Shots timetable to find the right day and time for your child’s stage and schedule.
Complete our enquiry form and our team will follow up to confirm your child’s stage placement and get enrolment sorted. If you have an Active Kids Voucher, mention it in your enquiry so we can apply the $50 discount.
On your child’s first session, arrive in comfortable sportswear with a water bottle and sunscreen. Coaches confirm stage placement on the day. You’re welcome to watch from the sidelines.
What’s Included:
- Weekly coached group sessions in your child’s Hot Shots stage
Tennis Australia accredited instruction within the national Hot Shots framework
Use of modified courts and age-appropriate equipment during sessions
- Ongoing stage progression assessment by our coaching team
- Free trial lesson available before committing
What’s Not Included:
Tennis racquet — your child needs their own, sized to their stage. Our coaches can advise on sizing.
Tennis shoes — flat-soled, non-marking court shoes required.
Chunky-soled runners are not suitable for court surfaces.
- One-on-one coaching — contact us to discuss private options.
How much does it cost?
Weekly pricing varies by stage and session length:
$23.00 / 30 min
$27.50 / 30 min
$34.50 / 60 min
$37.00 / 60 min
$37.00 / 60 min
$44.00 / 90 min
$46.00 / 90 min
$46.00 / 90 min
Active Kids Voucher — Save $50
NSW Government Active Kids Vouchers are accepted. Email your voucher to info@ssmggaluwa.com.au before registering to apply the $50 discount.
More Tennis Options at Galuwa Recreation Centr
Hot Shots Challenge
The Hot Shots Challenge is 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 who are ready for competitive play.
Social Tennis
Open social tennis sessions for adults looking for relaxed court time in Lane Cove.
LEARN MORE
School Holiday Camps
Our School Holiday Camps run across the major NSW school breaks and offer a multi-day program featuring Tennis, Pickleball, Basketball, Soccer, and more — open to all ability levels including complete beginners.
Adult Group Coaching
Group coaching sessions for adult players at all levels.
LEARN MORE
Pickleball
Pickleball is a growing program at Galuwa Recreation Centre, available for both children and adults. Court bookings and social sessions are on offer.
Golf
Galuwa Recreation Centre offers golf programs for juniors and adults in Lane Cove — a unique offering in the area.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome children from age 3 in our Kinder Tennis 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.
Our coaches assess each child at their first session and confirm the appropriate stage. If you’d like guidance before enrolling, call us on (02) 8360 5555 — we’re happy to advise.
Yes. We offer a free trial lesson for new players. Contact us to arrange a session for your child before committing to enrolment.
Yes. Children need their own racquet appropriate for their age
and stage. Our coaching team can advise on sizing.
Comfortable sportswear and flat-soled, non-marking tennis shoes.
Also bring a labelled water bottle and sunscreen.
Yes. Parents and carers are welcome to watch from the surrounding area. For Kinder Tennis, parent participation is part of the session format.
Fees are charged weekly. Please enquire via our contact form and our team will confirm the payment process for your child’s stage.
Yes. NSW Government Active Kids Vouchers give eligible families $50 off. Email your voucher to info@ssmggaluwa.com.au before registering. Vouchers are available through Service NSW.
Please refer to our Privacy Policy → for details on absences, or contact us directly on (02) 8360 5555.
Yes — stage progression is built into the program. Coaches monitor development each term and recommend advancement when your child is ready.
Yes. Hot Shots is the official national kids tennis program developed by Tennis Australia. Galuwa Recreation Centre delivers it under Sydney Sports Management Group, which maintains direct affiliations with Tennis Australia and Tennis NSW.
Yes. Squad sessions are available for players aged 12 and above who want to continue developing their game in a structured group environment.
Contact Us
180 River Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
Open every day 7:00am–10:00pm