From fostering emerging talent to those getting started in the sport, the "most significant gathering of Indigenous tennis players in our country" returns to Larrakia Country next week.

It's how fourteen-time Grand Slam champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley describes the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival (NITC).

The Darwin International Tennis Centre hosts the carnival for it's seventh year from next Wednesday, with more than 160 players from all across Australia heading along.

Between two playing streams, boys and girls in the pathways will compete for age championships, with Tennis Australia national beginner program Hot Shots delivered for those starting out.

Goolagong Cawley has been a driving force behind the NITC since the beginning.

She said whether the kids are "discovering it for the first time or having the opportunity to develop and improve their skills", it's a fantastic event to see Indigenous young people in tennis come together.

"It's incredible to see how tennis can have such a positive impact on communities," she said. "The celebration of culture, improving the health and wellbeing of everyone involved and promoting education are all so important to me."

Every state and territory will be represented at the carnival.

There's nine teams coming from the Northern Territory alone - from cities and major centres including Darwin and Palmerston to remote communities such as Arlparra, Groote Eylandt, Jabiru, Jilkminggan, East Arnhem and the Tiwi Islands.

In addition to career pathways, health and wellbeing are also in focus at the event.

Alongside what happens on-court, career and health choices sessions are run with culture-focused bushtucker, painting, weaving, with dance and cosmology activities also on the agenda.

Tennis Australia describes the carnival as the pinnacle of the First Nations talent pathway.

Earlier this month, a First Nations team took out the Oceania Cup coming up against the Pacific's best talent with former NITC age group winners amongst the team.

Next week's event comes after 24 regional and state-based First Nations tennis events held this year.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see young people from every corner of Australia come together to learn from one another, strengthen their connection to culture and enjoy everything our sport has to offer," Tennis NT chief executive Tania Tandora said.

The carnival is growing year-on-year, Ms Tandora added.

"Tennis NT is incredibly proud of the strong relationships we continue to build with schools, communities and local mentors across the Northern Territory, creating opportunities for young people to develop their tennis skills and for teachers and community leaders to grow their confidence in delivering tennis opportunities," she said.

"We want every young person who attends the event to leave with new friendships, greater confidence and opportunities that can help shape their future."

The NITC 2026 runs from Wednesday August 5 to Saturday August 8.