In a major initiative to spread its signature grassroots development programmes to the north-west of the country, Tennis Cambodia will open its first regional office in Siem Reap on October 3.

Tennis Australia endorsed senior club professional Scott Windus to head the operations from the office in the popular Angkor Palace Hotel, owned by the country’s leading amateur golfer Ly Hong.

Windus has been running the federation’s various grassroots and advanced development programs in Siem Reap since early 2014.

Tennis Cambodia and Angkor Palace Hotel have struck a new partnership, hailed by both sides as a great step forward for the development of the game.

The federation will now have access to the two courts at the hotel where Cambodia’s first pro-shop will also be opened in a city that is now home to nearly 2,000 tennis players.

“This is part of our grand vision to take tennis to every province in the country.

The Siem Reap operations will be in the very efficient hands of Scott Windus who has brought in a refreshing change in the tennis scene over the last two years.

While Battambang will also be brought into this fold, we can launch our programs from this base in other provinces like Bantay Meanchey and Odar Meanchey.’’ Secretary General of Tennis Cambodia Tep Rithivit told the Post yesterday.

“I am very happy and eager to run the show at this regional level. It is a challenge I am looking forward to.

The use of regular courts at the Angkor Palace Hotel is a valuable addition for the young players in our programs now being run on community courts.

I am particularly thankful to both Tep Rithivit and Ly Hong for this joint venture which will give tennis a new direction” Scott Windus said.

Tennis Cambodia introduced a grassroots development project in Siem Reap at the Svey Dunkum Village primary school, less than two years ago.

Nearly 600 students of the school were initiated to the game at various stages. Scott Windus, who took charge in February 2014, streamlined the programme by categorising the players according to their passion for the game and talent.

Now there are nearly 250 students going through training on a regular basis on community courts while an upper crust of around 40 players have acquired skills to compete at the national level.

Apart from inducting young players into the programme and spreading it to five other private schools, Scott Windus has also trained Run Dun and Zachary Kim to be assistant coaches.

Meanwhile, Tennis Cambodia is likely to seek the support of the Ministry of Education to take grassroots programs to all government schools, including the famous Wat Bo primary.school.