A record turnout greeted the first of six Tennis 10s festivals scheduled for the year at the National Training Center on Saturday.

As many as 45 kids enjoyed nearly three hours of learning and playing time, with all of the Tennis Federation of Cambodia’s local coaches helping the boys and girls along.

A similar event held in November last year saw 35 children in attendance.

The Tennis 10s falls under the TFC’s School Tennis Initiative, which is sponsored in part by Cambodia Airports.

“It is nice to see an increase in number and the kids were as enthusiastic as ever,” STI head coach Mam Phalkun told the Post yesterday.

All three courts at the NTC were made available for the youngsters, with the first two split into smaller courts with orange markings for those who were already well into the mini tennis program. The third court was turned into six red courts for the benefit of the many beginners learning the ropes.

Since the 10 and under age group is not in the National Junior Tournament network, the TFC will hold a Tennis 10s event the weekend before every National Junior tournament to ensure that the kids in the STI stay active.

The festival was open to all boys and girls born between 2004 and 2006.

While the International Tennis Federation puts great emphasis on Tennis 10s all over the world, the TFC has spread this program far and wide with as many as 2,500 children actively involved at various schools and orphanages.