From Court to Community: Kyrgios Fuels $9.9M Gungahlin Tennis Project…Read More…
When Nick Kyrgios steps into the public spotlight, headlines often orbit around his dazzling shot-making or fiery on-court theatrics. Yet in Canberra’s north, his name now carries another association—community building. The hometown star has thrown his weight behind a project that aims to transform access to tennis in one of the city’s fastest-growing regions.
The $9.9 million Gungahlin Tennis Facility, currently under construction in Amaroo off Horse Park Drive, is being championed by Kyrgios as a landmark development designed to bridge the gap between elite sport and grassroots participation. For Kyrgios, who grew up training in modest facilities before breaking into the international tennis circuit, the project is both personal and symbolic.
A Long-Awaited Investment
For years, the Gungahlin community—home to more than 90,000 residents and one of the youngest demographics in the ACT—has campaigned for improved sporting infrastructure. While netball and soccer have received steady investment, tennis players have had to travel across the city to access high-quality courts and programs.
That changes with the Gungahlin Tennis Facility, a purpose-built complex that will feature:
- 10 full-size tennis courts with professional-grade surfaces
- 2 “Hot Shots” courts tailored for junior development
- A dedicated hitting wall for practice sessions
- LED floodlighting for night play
- A modern pavilion with female-friendly change rooms, storage, and meeting spaces
- Ample car parking and landscaping designed for community events
The project, funded by $9.934 million from the ACT Government and an additional $400,000 from Tennis ACT and Tennis Australia, represents one of the largest investments in tennis infrastructure in the region’s history.
Kyrgios’s Role Beyond the Headlines
While government funding is footing most of the bill, Kyrgios’s involvement elevates the project beyond bricks and mortar. Through his NK Foundation, he has pledged to provide programming support once the facility opens. This includes free coaching clinics, mentorship for young athletes, social tournaments, and initiatives targeted at disadvantaged youth.
In his own words, Kyrgios sees the facility as a chance to give back to the city that shaped him. “When I was a kid in Canberra, tennis was everything to me, but it wasn’t always easy to find the right spaces or opportunities. This facility is about more than just tennis courts—it’s about giving kids in Gungahlin a place to dream, to grow, and to belong,” he said at the project’s announcement.
The NK Foundation already works nationally to support underprivileged youth, but the Gungahlin project represents a particularly personal chapter. Kyrgios’s hope is to spark a culture where tennis is not viewed as a distant, elite sport but as an accessible activity that builds resilience, friendships, and pathways to success.
A Boost for Local Sport
Tennis ACT CEO Kim Kachel has described the facility as a “game-changer” for Canberra’s sporting landscape. “We have long known that demand for tennis in the north far exceeds supply. This project not only meets that demand but does so in a way that positions Gungahlin as a hub for the sport at every level—from introductory programs for kids through to regional competitions,” Kachel said.
The facility is expected to host regional tournaments, school programs, and community events, in addition to being the home base for local clubs. For players like 14-year-old Gungahlin resident Mia Thomas, who currently trains at courts across the city, the development can’t come soon enough. “It means I’ll finally have a proper tennis centre close to home. It makes training easier, and I’m really excited that Nick Kyrgios is involved. He’s proof that Canberra kids can make it big,” she said.
Economic and Social Ripple Effects
Beyond sport, the project is forecast to deliver broader social and economic benefits. Construction has already generated local jobs, and once complete, the facility is expected to draw visitors for competitions and events, injecting money into nearby businesses.
Community leaders also point to the role the facility could play in tackling youth disengagement. Gungahlin, with its young population, faces challenges around providing enough recreational opportunities. Kyrgios’s involvement—particularly his promise to focus on outreach for disadvantaged youth—has been warmly welcomed by schools and parents.
ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry emphasized this dimension, saying, “This is not just a sports facility—it’s a social investment. Nick’s commitment ensures the facility won’t only serve aspiring athletes but also young people who may otherwise struggle to access sport.”
Looking Ahead
The Gungahlin Tennis Facility is scheduled for completion in 2025–2026, with landscaping and pavilion works the final stages of the project. Once open, it will stand as one of the premier tennis complexes in the region.
For Kyrgios, who has often spoken about the struggles he faced in his youth—balancing sport with school, grappling with identity, and managing mental health—the project represents a rare opportunity to rewrite the script for the next generation. “Tennis gave me an escape, but not everyone gets that chance. I want this place to be a space where kids feel seen and supported, not just coached,” he said.
As construction cranes hover and concrete foundations set in Amaroo, the facility already carries the aura of something larger than its physical footprint. It symbolizes a rallying cry: from court to community, sport can transform lives.
And in Canberra’s north, Nick Kyrgios is making sure the serve is strong.
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