The Singapore Tennis Association is organising a tennis tournament for children aged 9 and under this month, a first for the age group.

The tournament, which will be held over two weekends for boys (Nov 8-10) and girls (Nov 29-Dec 1), is jointly organised by the STA, Tanglin Tennis Academy and sponsored by real estate company Realstar Premier Group.

Aimed at promoting the sport among young children, the event has attracted about 50 boys and 50 girls and will feature a carnival at the end of the tournament.

Said Rutger Oudejans, STA's acting general manager: "We believe this is the best way to introduce the fundamentals of tennis to young children and to make them stay we make it more enjoyable rather than competitive."