Bribie Tennis Academy volleys their way into a new direction By Chase Christensen

The Bribie Tennis Academy is the Island’s hidden gem. Tucked away in the Cosmos Park Complex at 70 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach, the rapidly improving academy has not been as well-known as it should be. 

Coach Chris Holloway started coaching under Malpass Tennis. In 2023, Holloway’s Tennis Coaching took over the program, rebranding in 2025 to Bribie Tennis Academy. 

The academy’s junior program is elite, holding ‘hot shot’ classes for ages four to 17, as well as free Friday fixtures. The free Friday fixtures is the best part of the junior program, as it builds a community around the academy, whilst growing the game from the ground up. A barbecue is also conveniently provided for anyone in attendance.  

There is something for everyone, with equal opportunities for adults as well, from beginner, intermediate and cardio tennis programs. Lessons are also available for all ages and abilities.  

The academy is highly inclusive, offering a program called the Positive Energy Enabling Abilities Program, which is NDIS fundable and the only academy from North Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast that offers the new and inclusive program. The support service has partnered with Special Olympics Australia boasting high credentials and status to the particular program partnering with the local academy. The partnership opens paths for Queensland and Australian representation for people with disabilities. This is a key part of the grass roots level, which is the beginning of some athlete’s journeys who seek to represent their nation at the Paralympics. The more local sporting clubs and academies who offer programs like this one will boost Australia’s dominance at the Paralympic games, as well as other international disability sporting events.  

I was lucky enough to speak with the academy’s top coach - Coach Chris Holloway, who has 30 years’ experience in the tennis coaching arena and world class coaching qualifications. In 2024, he was a part of the tennis Super Junior Development Program (JDS). Chris was one of eight JDS coaches selected in the Sunshine Coast region. Chris told me that his number one goal for the academy is to create a “wider community engagement from all ages and abilities”. With three children with autism, Chris himself knows firsthand how much of a struggle it can be for children with disabilities to fit into communities. He added, “the biggest sporting struggle for people with disabilities is feeling like they belong”. As mentioned earlier, the Positive Energy Enabling Abilities Program will be highly effective in assisting children with disabilities who are trying to find a community that they enjoy and feel comfortable in. 

A new program opening in Term 2 this year that Chris is really excited about is the Tennis Excellence Program. The program includes the academy approaching schools in the local area who may have players that have the drive and potential to be a great player, but just don’t know it yet. The program’s 

intentions are to help build pathways for players, beginning at the fixture level and potentially ending as far as the ATP and WTA level. This is the global governing bodies of men and women’s tennis. 

It’s no secret that the Bribie Tennis Academy is an all-round inclusive, as well as highly competitive academy. Joining the academy is a great option whether it’s yourself, a friend or your children, it has something for everyone. To find out more about joining the Bribie Tennis Academy, contact Coach Chris on 0414 989 280 or email BITC1922@gmail.com. To chat to someone at the academy in person or to get a taste of what it is like, head along to the free Friday fixtures.