Sri Lanka Tennis Association — Serving Up Skills for Kids
The Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) is the country’s premier tennis facility, and their junior coaching programme is the best place for children to learn the sport in Colombo.
Class Details
- Ages: 5+ (mini tennis available for younger children with foam balls)
- Courts: Hard courts, well-maintained, floodlit for evening sessions
- Schedule: Weekday afternoons (4pm-6pm) and Saturday mornings (8am-10am)
- Cost: LKR 3,000-5,000/month coaching + court access fees
- Equipment: Bring your own racquet (junior racquets available from LKR 4,000)
The Programme
The SLTA junior programme follows the ITF (International Tennis Federation) coaching pathway:
- Red Ball (ages 5-7): Smaller court, foam balls, fun introduction
- Orange Ball (ages 8-9): Transition to proper court dimensions
- Green Ball (ages 10-11): Full court, slightly slower ball
- Full Ball (12+): Regular tennis
Group coaching sessions run with 4-6 children per coach, ensuring individual attention. Private lessons are also available at a premium.
Our Experience
Our 9-year-old started with Orange Ball sessions and progressed to Green Ball within 6 months. The coaches were patient and technical, breaking down strokes into simple, manageable steps. He now plays recreationally every week and genuinely loves the sport.
The facility is well-maintained, and the atmosphere is encouraging for young players. Weekend mornings can get busy, but weekday afternoon sessions tend to be quieter.
Tips
- Start with a group session — it’s more social and less pressure
- Buy a junior-sized racquet — adult racquets are too heavy and long
- Bring plenty of water — outdoor tennis in Colombo is hot
- The morning sessions on Saturday are the most popular — book ahead
Our Verdict
4.0 out of 5 — excellent facility with proper coaching. Tennis builds discipline, fitness, and competitive spirit. The added cost of court fees is the main drawback.
👉 See our full guide to Sports Coaching for Kids in Colombo.
📍 Getting There & Contact
- Address: 45 Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7
- Google Maps: View location
