Local coach named among game's greats

Mr Cahill, 88, has spent more than half his life playing, coaching and mentoring thousands of tennis players.

He continues to coach at Nagambie Primary School and St Joseph’s Catholic School, and plays a pivotal role in promoting tennis as a sport for life.

The feel-good story was made even better, with Nagambie Primary School taking home the award for most outstanding school on the night.

“I was sitting at the awards with my family and was very pleased to see the school pick up an award,” Mr Cahill said.

“I was shocked when my name was read out for the Spirit of Tennis award. I’m very honoured and humbled to be on a list with some of the game’s greats.”

While the individual recognition was an honour, Mr Cahill said he got more pleasure from teaching young people the game he loves.

“I enjoy sharing my love of the game with the children,” he said. "If you can sow the seed at an early age, the students will play for the rest of their lives.

“If you get good at tennis you have a passport to anywhere in the world. It also opens lots of social situations to people — with a love of tennis you can always make a friend.

“It’s a pleasure working with the school. The staff love their tennis and that filters through to the children on the court.”

Nagambie Primary School principal Robert French said the school’s successful program was thanks to strong community ties.

“The award recognised our commitment to participation,” he said. "The whole school is involved with tennis through our physical education program.

“We do lots of sport at the school, but we really emphasise being active, healthy and participating.

“That is possible thanks to the wonderful work of people like Norm, strong links with Nagambie Tennis Club and the support of Tennis Victoria.

“Tennis Victoria’s work in getting young people into the game is the best promotion of junior sport I have ever seen.”