Tennis Australia – Performance Wellbeing Program

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Implementing organisation
Tennis Australia – National Federation
Geographical scope
Australia
Implementation period
2017–ongoing
Primary beneficiaries
Young players within Tennis Australia development pathways, together with coaches and families.
Practice overview
The Tennis Australia Performance Wellbeing Program is a structured wellbeing approach integrated into the tennis performance pathway.
The programme was initially introduced in New South Wales and Victoria and was subsequently developed into a national approach. It was created in response to concerns about anxiety and depression among young people and aims to support wellbeing alongside sporting development.
The programme is built around five wellbeing pillars:
– Learning
– Physical activity
– Connection
– Mindfulness
– Giving
Players are encouraged to reflect on their wellbeing and identify areas where they may need additional attention.
Core components
Five wellbeing pillars
The programme provides a simple framework for integrating different dimensions of wellbeing into everyday life.
Wellbeing Wheel
Players rate different areas of their wellbeing on a scale from 1–10. They identify their two lowest areas and develop practical activities to improve them.
Wellbeing Ambassador
Each state has a designated Wellbeing Ambassador who provides a trusted point of contact outside the traditional coaching relationship.
Coach involvement
Coaches receive guidance and activities that allow wellbeing to become part of the sporting environment.
Workshops and activities
The programme includes activities such as wellbeing workshops, school visits, charity activities and Mates Day initiatives.
Relevance to youth mental health and racket sports
The programme demonstrates how mental wellbeing can be integrated into a performance pathway rather than treated as a separate or purely clinical issue.
Its practical tools encourage young athletes to reflect on their wellbeing, develop everyday healthy habits and seek support when needed.
The involvement of coaches, families and designated wellbeing contacts creates a broader support environment around the athlete.
The Wellbeing Wheel is particularly transferable because it provides a simple way for young athletes to reflect on different areas of their wellbeing without requiring clinical assessment.
Transfer and adaptation potential
High
The model can be adapted by tennis clubs, badminton, squash and table tennis organisations.
A Wellbeing Ambassador role could be introduced at club level and could be performed by a trained coach, club member, staff member or another trusted adult.
The Wellbeing Wheel could also be adapted as a simple self-reflection tool within youth training programmes or digital resources.
The approach can be particularly useful in clubs and communities where access to specialist mental health services may be limited.
Reference sources
Tennis Australia – Performance Wellbeing Program
VCoP Reflection
How could the Wellbeing Ambassador role and the Wellbeing Wheel be adapted to the context of your own club, school or racket sports organisation?

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