The Gambia Tennis Association (GTA) was formally established in 1938 and has a constitution and Bye laws deposited with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the Department of Youth and Sports in The Gambia. It is affiliated to ITF, CAT and The Gambia National Olympic and Sports Committee. The daily administration of the Association is carried out by an executive committee composed of
offi
cers and members elected at an annual general meeting. The Association comprises of four clubs, namely; The Gambia Tennis Club, Basse Tennis Club, the National Coaches Association and the Stadium Club. The primary objective of the Association is the promotion of tennis in The Gambia and in pursuit of this objective; the Association has implemented programmes for general nation-wide participation and for specific development goals.
1938 ushered in a series of national and international tournaments held regularly on an annual basis. To support and strengthen these tournaments, training programmes are also organised for players, coaches and officials. Since 1992, upon request, the Association has also benefited from equipment provided by ITF. Various consignments of rackets, tennis balls and strings have been provided to support our coaches, senior and mini-tennis programmes. The administrative function and ability for the association to expand and develop is limited due to the lack of infrastructure, equipment and funds. These constraints have prompted the Association to take measures for their redress. As a matter of urgency, a needs assessment was conducted by members of the GTA executive committee and consequently a design proposal that addresses these needs has been put forward. For the fulfilment of the Association’s goal of strengthening the administrative and institutional framework of tennis in The Gambia, plans for the GTA ‘Tennis Academy’ have been set in motion.
