October 2009 Victorian Tennis News (VTN)

PENNaNtKooyong completes a clean sweep in State Grade

JuNiorSVics dominate Winter Nationals

juniorsAdvantage Program success

news2010 Country Week

indigenousDarranggeeyt Festival of Tennis

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V I C T O R I A ’ S O N L Y M A G A Z I N E D E D I C A T E D T O G R A S S R O O T S T E N N I S

V I C T O R I A N T E N N I S N E W S

I am pleased to announce that Tennis Victoria has a new home. Following negotiations with the Melbourne and Olympic Park Trust, Tennis Victoria secured a lease within Melbourne’s new Rectangular Stadium. We now have the benefit of a modern office facility on the ground level within what will be an exciting addition to Melbourne’s sporting precinct. We are located on the north eastern aspect of the stadium and entry is currently through a temporary covered walk-way off Olympic Boulevard. We greatly appreciate the patience shown by our affiliates during the week of our move and are now fully operational.

One of the most important issues central to the health of our sport is the level of participation. While it is pleasing to see a reversal of the gradual decrease in tennis participation within recent sport research reports (Sweeny and ERAS), our attention is now firmly on analysing what it is that is required to generate sustainable increases in tennis participation. To this end, we will be commissioning an independent study of our current programs and industry relationships to determine the most effective ways to achieve this goal. This research will provide recommendations focused on:

• Increasingoverallparticipationrates,

• Increasingthenumberofregisteredplayersandclubmembers,

• ThevalueofTennisVictoria’scurrentparticipationprograms,

• Methodstoreducethenumberofparticipantsleavingthegame,and

• Improvingtheworkingrelationshipwithindustrystakeholders.

Once appointed, the organisation undertaking the study will be conducting forums to gather information from different sectors within the tennis industry. We look forward to receiving this report and working to achieve this important goal.

FroM tHE toP

CONTACT US

Tennis Victoria Phone (03) 8420 8420 Fax (03) 9427 9698 Email [email protected]

Locked Bag 6001 Richmond VIC 3121

www.tennis.com.au/vic

Ian Clark, Tennis Victoria – CEO

OUR SUPPORTERS

pennant 4Kooyong show their depth in State Grade Pennant finals

juniors 5Victorians show talent at Winter NationalsWimbledon title for Victorian juniorWaverley Tennis wins closest ever Frank Sedgman CupWaverley Tennis shines in rainy BendigoClimbing the ranks with help from the Advantage ProgramSpecialist increases the advantagePrelli Award WinnersTennis schools creating pathways for players

participation 10Aviva Tennis Hot Shots a winner for WarrnamboolTennis in SchoolsGiving tennis a bright future

regional 12Excitement brews for Country WeekHart’s achievements recognised

news 13Bringing tennis to the indigenous community

clubs 14Yarraville Tennis Club takes opportunity with the Neale Fraser FoundationBushfire UpdateNew look for Geelong Lawn Tennis Club

administrator 15Member Benefits2009 TCAV Awards

THE VTN T EAM

Editor Lisa Winkler Features Writer Jaimee Damon Cover Matthew Breen Front Cover Photography Andrew Gyopar

Victorian Tennis News is published by Tennis Victoria four times a year. Reproduction in whole or part is not permitted without the written permission of Tennis Victoria. Also available online at www.tennis.com.au/vic

NEXt iSSuE: JaNuarY 2010

ISSUE 74 OCTOBER 2009

VtN VICTORIAN TENNIS NEWS oCtoBEr’09

4 PENNANT

The finals, played at the Glen Iris Valley Recreation Club on Sunday 23 August saw the underdogs of the men’s final,

Kooyong Lawn No 1 snatch victory from their friendly rivals, Kooyong Lawn No 2.

The women’s final between Kooyong Lawn No 2 and Royal South Yarra (RSY) ended in a rarely occurring draw, which meant the teams came back the following week to replay the match. Kooyong went on to claim the flag after taking an unbeatable three rubbers to love lead against RSY.

In the men’s final, Kooyong Lawn No 2 went into the match as slight favourites, having dominated the clashes between the two sides during the season. When they met in round six, Kooyong Lawn No 2 defeated Kooyong Lawn No 1 by six rubbers to love.

However, the final is where it all counts and Kooyong Lawn No 1’s Matthew Breen got his team off to a great start, defeating Kooyong Lawn No 2’s Richard Fromberg in straight sets.

This was a major upset as Fromberg, the former world number 24, went into the final undefeated in his singles matches for the season.

Breen was thrilled with his 7-5, 7-6 result and felt he played really well to win against Fromberg.

“I felt confident. I had played him during the season once and even though I lost, I still felt like I could win. I was the underdog so I knew I had to play my best tennis today, and I was able to do that which I am really, really, really happy with,” said Breen.

Paul Arber, Kooyong Lawn No 1’s team captain, was extremely proud of his team’s effort.

“I think on paper they might have been slight favourites. It was incredible to see everyone step up today, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Jay Salter, team captain for Kooyong Lawn No 2, was upbeat about losing.

“We have a habit of losing in the final,” he joked during the presentation (they went down to Grace Park last year).

Salter said he enjoyed playing this season with his team mates, and while his team didn’t win the final, he said Kooyong was the winner on the day.

“It was an honour playing with you guys; you made it enjoyable. We lost, but we had fun losing,” said Salter.

The replayed women’s final saw Kooyong return to full strength with young guns Molly Polak, Viktorjia Rajicic and Sandy Vo coming back into the side after ITF junior commitments in Fiji prevented them from playing in the first final.

“It was great to see the girls win the Pennant after they’d had such a wonderful season,” said Daniel O’Neill, Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club’s Communication Officer.

“They deserved to play in the final and the replay was a fantastic prize for those girls who had got us into that position in the first place. However, we also have to thank the girls who played so well in the first final to get us to that stage as well.”

Jessica Engels from RSY said her team were right to anticipate a harder, stronger Kooyong team for the replay of the final, but were proud to force the draw in the first match.

“I’m really proud of the team, to draw against the number one team of the season is really good,” she said.

In the replayed final, Polak and Rajicic made up for their absence the previous week by winning their singles matches in straight sets.

Ewa Radzikowska continued her standout season defeating RSY’s captain, Lisa Newman 6-1, 6-0.

Radzikowska said she was happy that her young team members in Polak, Rajicic and Vo had the opportunity to play in the State Grade Pennant finals, after contributing to the success of the team all season.

Kooyong show their depth in State Grade Pennant finalsKooyong Lawn Tennis Club completed a clean sweep of the State Grade Pennant competition, but not before some surprising and rare results.

Kooyong Lawn No 1’s winning team. Photographer: Andrew Gyopar

Second time lucky; Kooyong Lawn No 2 took home the Women’s State Grade Pennant.


5JUNIORS

Victorian players featured in three out of four of the tournament’s singles finals played at the Queensland State

Tennis Centre in Brisbane.

Congratulations go to No. 12 seed Jessie Tamber who took out the Girls’ 14/U National singles title.

Tamber said she didn’t expect to win the title as she had bowed out of the Autumn Nationals in the first round.

Victorians show talent at Winter NationalsVictorian players dominated the finals of the singles titles at this year’s Optus Winter Nationals held from 27 June – 3 July.

“Every match was hard, but I just tried to stay relaxed on the court, and focus on each point, each ball,” said Tamber.

Tamber had some tough matches throughout the tournament. She recovered strongly after dropping the first set in the final against Amy Sneath, the No. 4 seed from South Australia.

Leading up to the tournament, Tamber said she had been working hard on her serve and consistency on the court.

She also made it through to the quarter-finals of the doubles with her partner, and fellow Victorian, Ashleigh Capannolo.

Also making an impact in the competition was No. 7 seed Isabella Beischer who made it through to the semi-final of the Girls’ 14/U competition.

Brigitte Beck, Eliza Long and Ramona Mataruga played solid matches to make it through to the quarter-finals.

Marc Polmans, the No. 1 seed, had an uninterrupted tournament reaching the Boys’ 12/U final without dropping a set. He met Jordan Smith, the No. 2 seed from New South Wales in the final, who was too strong and ended Polmans’ dream run.

Isabella Beischer in action at Winter Nationals.

Tamber being presented with her Winter Nationals winner trophy.

Victorians Daniel Nickels, Yani Patras and Chanchai Sookton-Eng also made the quarter-finals of the Boys’ 12/U singles competition.

The Girls’ 12/U singles competition saw up-and-coming juniors Sylvia Huffman and Isabelle Wallace rocket to the semi-finals. Both girls won through to the semis without dropping a set and also had excellent doubles results.

In the Boys’ 14/U singles, No. 4 seed Mitchell Burman fought his way through to the final, before going down to Queenslander Travis Boon.

Unseeded Victorian players Joshua Tran and James Voros also did well to make the quarter-finals of the Boys’ 14/U competition.

The unseeded duo beat the No. 2 seeds, Kristina Mladenovic (France) and Silvia Njiric (Croatia) 6-1, 6-1 in

just 47 minutes.

Peers said she felt very confident and relaxed going into the final.

“I think we were the underdogs going into the final, as the opposition were the No. 2 seeds, so the pressure was all on them. We capitalised on that throughout the whole match,” she said.

Sally Peers and partner Noppawan Lertcheewakarn are all smiles after winning the Girls’ Doubles title at Wimbledon.Photo: Getty Images

Wimbledon title for Victorian juniorSally Peers’ third Wimbledon campaign proved her most successful, winning the Girls’ Doubles title with her partner, Noppawan Lertcheewakarn, from Thailand.

“It is a pretty amazing feeling, winning a title at Wimbledon. I really enjoyed every moment of it, and I hope I get to have those feelings again.”

Tennis Victoria would like to congratulate Sally on this wonderful achievement.


6 JUNIORS

Waverley Tennis defeated North Suburban Junior Tennis Association (NSJTA) by just one game to win the 2009 Frank Sedgman Cup, making it the closest final’s result in the history of the tournament.

Traralgon Tennis Club hosted the event from 1-2 August, which saw 64 players from 11 country regions, and five metropolitan associations compete in the 11/U tournament.

Waverley Tennis cruised through their round-robin matches to make the final, while NSJTA survived a tough round-two battle against Central Gippsland. Noone expected the final to be such a nail-biter.

“We were behind in the match and none of us thought we were going to make it,” said Lyn Gillen, Waverley Tennis’ Junior Coordinator.

However, Waverley Tennis managed to come from behind and win the last two singles matches 7-5 and 6-4 to secure a narrow, one-game victory over their metropolitan cousins.

The win came down to the last rubber, with Melanie Woodward from Waverley sealing the win.

Karen Butler, Team Manager for Waverley Tennis said that the result proves that every point and every game counts.

It was the tournament’s round-robin matches, rather than the semi-finals, that tested many of the players, with an extremely close contest between Eastern Region and Mornington Peninsula in round two.

Eastern Region survived the battle to reach the semi-final against NSJTA.

“It was great to see the final come down to the wire,” said Jason Simmons, Manager of Junior Competitions and Tournaments at Tennis Victoria.

“This result is the closest in the history of these cup events. The final was played in excellent spirit and sportsmanship, something that befits how Frank Sedgman played the game and the values that he showed throughout his illustrious career.”

From left: Waverley Tennis and NSJTA with Tennis Victoria’s Jason Simmons (centre).

Waverley Tennis wins closest ever Frank Sedgman Cup

The tournament had 192 players compete in the 12/U, 14/U and 16/U mixed competition.

Each team had four players (two males and two females) competing in singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches.

Despite game time being lost and matches cancelled due to bad weather, the Girls’ 16/U doubles semi-final managed to pull a big crowd. The match came down to a nail-bitting finish between Eastern Region and North Eastern Junior Tennis Association (NEJTA), with Eastern Region taking the match 7-6 to make the final.

Waverley Tennis was the dominant team of the tournament, displaying an impressive performance in the semi-final against Central Gippsland.

Waverley Tennis raced to a commanding lead early in the final, securing the match and taking out the tournament before the last three matches were played.

“The enthusiasm shown by all the players despite the cold and rainy weather was amazing,” said Jason Simmons, Manager of Junior Competitions and Tournaments at Tennis Victoria.

“All the ties were hard-fought over the weekend with the players showing great support to their team-mates in all matches.”

Players at the Association and Regional Teams Challenge.

Waverley Tennis shines in rainy BendigoThe largest of Tennis Victoria’s metropolitan and regional teams events, the Association and Regional Teams Challenge, was played over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend at the Coca-Cola Tennis Complex in Bendigo.


7 JUNIORS

SPECiAliST iNCREASES THE AdVANTAgEThe Advantage Program has a new recruit with Loris Bertolacci joining the program as an Athletic Movement Consultant.

Bertolacci has an extensive and decorated career in sport and fitness consultation, working with some of Australia’s elite athletes.

Bertolacci has worked as a Fitness Coordinator for AFL clubs including Collingwood, Essendon, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs. He has also been a fitness consultant for other sporting associations including soccer, netball, tennis and volleyball.

In 2006, Bertolacci worked with Australian tennis player Marija Mirkovic to improve her speed and power. She has since joined the WTA and ITF tours.

The players in the Advantage Program will no doubt benefit from Bertolacci’s wealth of experience and knowledge.

“I’m going to focus on improving their ability to move more efficiently on the court as well as the required strength and conditioning they need,” said Bertolacci.

Bertolacci also believes strongly in junior development and understands the importance of focusing on players as individuals.

“It’s important to tailor programs according to what each individual player needs, and the key is to get things right from the start.”

For Bertolacci his focus will be to help establish long-term goals for the players to work toward.

Bertolacci also believes creating player pathways such as the Advantage Program are the key to helping players improve their tennis, and provide expert guidance.

At the beginning of 2009 Efthimiadis was not ranked highly enough to be invited to join the Advantage

Program, but by March he had reached the top 10 in the state for players born in 1992, meeting the program’s criteria.

Efthimiadis has surprised himself with his achievements this year and believes the Advantage Program is responsible for helping him improve.

“The program has really good coaches. They’re really motivating and make you work,” said Efthimiadis.

“It’s a really good environment to be in, surrounded by people that really know their stuff and to hang around other players that have the same interests is great too.”

Efthimiadis said that the experienced coaches have helped him work on his fitness, technical aspects of the game and on-court tactics.

“The coaches identify weaknesses in your game and then work in partnership with my private coach and me to address them; they’re really well qualified and give us good feedback.”

Proving his time in the Advantage Program has paid off, Efthimiadis has recently received a letter of offer from the National Academy – Melbourne State Tier Program to join them.

This is an exceptional offer, as the National Academy – Melbourne State Tier Program only extends these invitations to a handful of quality players within the Advantage Program.

Efthimiadis recognises the exposure that the Advantage Program has given him and believes he would not have been noticed by the National Academy – Melbourne if he wasn’t in the Advantage Program.

“I was nowhere before the Advantage Program. I was slowly improving but through the program I’ve improved so much and have become a lot more confident,” said Efthimiadis.

Tennis Victoria’s Player Programs Coordinator, Matthew Gregory, says Efthimiadis is as ‘hard as nails’ on the court and is proud of what he has been able to achieve through the Advantage Program.

“He has a solid all-round game and I’ve seen him mix it up at the net and baseline. He didn’t meet the criteria when the program was launched, however through self improvement he has made the necessary changes to his game to get to the next level,” said Gregory.

The Advantage Program is a reward and recognition program that supports highly ranked Victorian junior tennis players between the ages of 13-17.

The program follows the on-court training and drill methodology of the National Academy’s philosophy and is a highly beneficial stepping stone for players wanting to further their tennis careers.

The Advantage Program is in its first year of operation and has almost 80 players currently enrolled.

Gregory says the Advantage Program is designed to compliment players’ existing training programs.

“The Advantage Program has allowed Tennis Victoria to support a new network of promising junior players that until recently received little or no support,” said Gregory.

Efthimiadis has benefited from his time in the Advantage Program. Photographer: Andrew Gyopar.

Climbing the ranks with help from the Advantage ProgramTennis Victoria’s Advantage Program has helped Efthimios Efthimiadis fast-track his skills and abilities to reach his highest ranking of third in the state for his birth year.


8 JUNIORS

Prelli Award WinnersMarc Polmans and Jessie Tamber are the joint winners of the 27th Prelli Racquets Achievement Award and will share the prize of $500 in vouchers.

The Prelli Award is a collaboration between Tennis Victoria and Prelli Racquets, established to recognise the achievements of talented junior Victorian tennis players who also display outstanding sporting qualities such as hard work, sportsmanship and determination for success.

JESSiE TAMBERFor Jessie Tamber, winning the Girls’ 14/U Winter Nationals singles title in Brisbane earlier this year has been the highlight of her tennis career.

She has had a successful year so far, including reaching the 16/U singles final of the Wilson Optus Junior Tour No. 3 at Melbourne Park in June. In addition, she made the semi-final in the open singles, and the final of the doubles, in the Lodge Easter Classic at North Balwyn in April.

Tamber has loved playing tennis since first picking up a racquet at the age of eight.

Her favourite player is Serena Williams, whom she admires for her grit and determination. According to her coach, Kate Sheahan, these are characteristics Tamber also exhibits.

“She loves hard work; the harder it is, the more enjoyable it is for her,” said Sheahan.

“Anything I ask of Jessie, she will give it 100 per cent. She’ll stop at nothing to achieve her goals.”

Tamber is training hard at the moment (often twice daily) doing a combination of on-court hitting as well as strength and conditioning work in the National Academy – Melbourne State Tier Program.

For Tamber, training is one of her favourite things, and she isn’t discouraged by her gruelling schedule.

“I love training – it’s the best bit. I love going out and hitting [as] it’s really therapeutic and takes my mind off school or whatever else is going on,” she said.

Tamber is well on her way to achieving her goal of joining the professional tennis circuit.

MARC POlMANSAlthough still only 12, Marc Polmans has an impressive list of titles and achievements to his name.

He is currently ranked No. 1 in Victoria for his birth year, and earlier this year he received a partial scholarship and place in the National Academy – Melbourne.

Polmans was runner-up in the Boys’ 12/U singles competition at this year’s Optus Winter Nationals in Brisbane.

He also won the Boys’ 12/U singles and doubles titles at the Big 4 Geelong Junior Grasscourt tournament in April.

Coach Simon Rea believes Polmans has made excellent progress since joining the National Academy – Melbourne in January.

“He’s a very intense competitor and prepared to do whatever it takes to get better. He comes to training ready to work hard,” said Rea.

Polmans was fortunate enough to be selected for a Tennis Australia tour to Spain in June this year.

His time in Spain was spent playing tournaments and training with some of the best players in the world for his age group.

Polmans has ambitions of being in the top 10 singles players on the world circuit.

To achieve this he is currently training everyday, with 15 hours of on-court training and 3-4 hours of gym work every week.

Polmans and his family are very grateful for the effort and commitment shown by both Simon Rea and his strength and conditioning coach, Simon Kearney.


9 JUNIORS

The schools have been established to provide students with opportunities to combine education with

comprehensive tennis programs.

The schools currently offering these tennis concentrated programs are MY Tennis School (Box Hill), Maribyrnong College (Maribyrnong), Fromberg/McCurdy International Tennis School (Bentleigh) and Bayside College (Williamstown).

The schools have been designed to fast-track player development and set a foundation for players wanting to take their tennis careers as far as they can. Many students attending the schools also manage to train in Tennis Victoria’s player development programs such as the National Academy – Melbourne and the Advantage Program.

“Talented young tennis players work their demanding training schedules, often with a variety of coaches/programs, around school times starting early in the morning or finishing late at night,” said John McCurdy from the McCurdy/Fromberg International Tennis School.

“This situation, combined with the necessary studies/homework and travel time, puts excess stress on young individuals/parents and is not always conducive to achieving the best results.”

Technical Coaching Coordinator at Maribyrnong College, Marty Cusack, believes having specialised sporting schools is a fantastic concept.

“These programs provide a great opportunity for the students to get where they want to be,” said Cusack.

“The students have access to qualified coaches, physical preparation staff, nutritionists, psychologists and physiotherapists for them to develop into elite athletes.”

The college also believes in the importance of monitoring the academic element of the student’s education.

“We have students competing in interstate tournaments regularly and we ensure they are receiving all the necessary school work they need to complete while they are away,” said Cusack.

Tennis Victoria Player Programs Coordinator Matthew Gregory is confident that the specialised tennis schools will give players every opportunity to succeed, with expert advice and tuition.

“Established overseas tennis academies such as Bollettieri’s in Florida (USA) and the Academia Sanchez–Casal in Barcelona (Spain) have helped produce numerous international champions, and now it’s Australia’s turn to offer the same kind of specialised tennis and educational programs enabling our juniors to maximise their potential and realise their tennis dreams,” said Gregory.

Tennis Victoria recognises the following specialised tennis schools:

BAySidE COllEgELocation: Williamstown

Website: www.bayside.vic.edu.au

Phone: 9393 5800

Years: 7-12

Coaching Staff: Head Coach – John Trickey, Tennis Coordinator – Cliff Jennings

Philosophy: During school hours students in this program undertake an academic program of approximately 27 hours per fortnight, and another 27 hours “on court” with an emphasis on coaching, training and competition.

FROMBERg/McCURdy TENNiS SCHOOlLocation: Bentleigh

Phone: 9579 4275

Years: 7-12

Staff: Head Coach – Richard Fromberg, Program Manager – John McCurdy

Philosophy: “To provide an opportunity for talented young players to pursue playing and academic goals in a quality training environment.” – John McCurdy.

MARiByRNONg COllEgELocation: Maribyrnong

Website: www.maribsc.vic.edu.au

Phone: 9318 1355

Years: 7-12

Staff: Head Coach – Michael Baroch, Coach – Marc Sophoulis

Philosophy: “To assist students to balance their sporting goals and academic studies in a supportive, athlete friendly, educational environment.” – Marc Sophoulis

My TENNiS SCHOOlLocation: Box Hill

Website: www.mytennisschool.com.au

Ph: 9895 1129

Years: 5-9

Staff: Director of Tennis – Elizabeth Peers, Head Coach – Noel Phillips

Philosophy: “To be positive, show a high level of commitment, always show discipline, and to work together.” – Elizabeth Peers

For more information please visit the schools’ websites or contact Tennis Victoria on 8420 8420.

Tennis schools creating pathways for players

Tennis students and staff at the McCurdy/Fromberg Tennis School.

Students at MY Tennis School in Box Hill.

The past few years have seen the emergence of several tennis schools throughout Melbourne.


PARTICIPATION10

Aviva Tennis Hot Shots is the fun way for kids aged 12/U to learn how to play tennis. Smaller courts, nets,

racquets and low-compression balls make learning easy, giving younger players the chance to serve, rally and score from the first time they play.

Rob Urquhart, Manager of Warrnambool Indoor Tennis Centre, has introduced Aviva Tennis Hot Shots to the children of Warrnambool, with encouraging results.

“Aviva Tennis Hot Shots is going very well. The kids are really engaged by the program, as they’re learning how to play the game rather than just skills and drills,” said Urquhart.

Urquhart said the parents are very happy with the program too, as it allows their younger children the opportunity to play tennis matches with their brothers and sisters.

Warrnambool Indoor Tennis Centre has been delivering the Aviva Tennis Hot Shots program for two years, and has an impressive 43 children currently participating.

“Aviva Tennis Hot Shots is quite easy to deliver, and we thought for a long time about how we could best implement the program,” said Urquhart.

Urquhart has incorporated Aviva Tennis Hot Shots into Wilson’s peeWee tennis program which was already established at the centre.

This allowed Urquhart to develop a stronger children’s tennis program, with Warrnambool now conducting monthly Aviva Tennis Hot Shots tournaments.

There are three levels of development in the program – red, orange and green, which are named according to which colour tennis ball the level uses.

“By holding the tournaments, no one misses out, because we have a section for each of the three different developmental levels. There is an opportunity for everyone to play,” said Urquhart.

Extensive lesson plans are provided, allowing any club or centre to administer Aviva Tennis Hot Shots, while anyone from coaches to club volunteers can deliver the program.

The lesson plans are designed to keep participants engaged in the program, and understand which key competencies are required to progress to the next level.

Deliverers of Aviva Tennis Hot Shots receive an extensive promotional kit to assist in attracting community interest in the program.

The program is supported by a national television commercial, state-wide newspaper advertising, brochures, posters, and deliverer details listed on the Tennis Victoria website.

Each participant is given a free t-shirt when enrolling in the program, and will develop new skills, coordination and make new friends through participation.

Aviva Tennis Hot Shots a winner for Warrnambool

Tennis in Schools

The Aviva Tennis Hot Shots program has established itself as a key driver for children’s participation in tennis throughout Victoria.

Coaches, clubs and primary schools now have the opportunity to deliver Aviva Tennis Hot Shots as part of their in-school programs.

As an extension of the Tennis Victoria’s Tennis in Schools program, coaches, clubs and schools will be provided

with lessons plans and DVD resources to conduct their in-school programs.

Tennis Victoria will provide coaches, clubs and schools with individual participant giveaways, letters of support, apparel, detailed lesson plans and a program manual, plus the opportunity to purchase significantly discounted equipment.

The schools program is aimed at primary school students, using modified equipment and lesson plans which will contribute to the school’s overall physical education and health curriculum.

The program structure can be delivered at the coach’s discretion and is usually implemented with an introductory lesson. The coach then has the option to deliver a further four weeks of the program, or can distribute resources to the school (supplied by Tennis Victoria) for the remainder of the program to be delivered by the school’s PE teacher.

The purpose of the lesson is to be fun and engaging for the students, and open their eyes to opportunities that exist in tennis, as well as entice students back to their local tennis club.

Through the program, students develop an immediate enjoyment for tennis and grasp the fundamentals of the sport easier through the use of modified equipment.

If your club wants to get more junior participants into coaching and membership then try delivering one of the above programs at your club or local primary school! For further information, please visit www.tennis.com.au/vic (Clubs/Programs) or call Tennis Victoria’s participation department on 8420 8420.

Young children enjoy participating in the Aviva Tennis Hot Shots program.

Children enjoy participating in tennis as part of their school curriculum.


11PARTICIPATION

Secondary students from around Victoria took part in Tennis Victoria’s Future Leaders Program during the June/July school holidays.

This year’s program had the highest number of attendees since it began, with 26 students participating.

Taking place at the Lady Northcote Camp in Bacchus Marsh, the participants enjoyed many challenging activities and were given an insight into coaching and sports administration.

The Future Leaders Program aims to give interested students an idea of different careers within the sports industry as well as help develop the participants into future leaders at their local club.

Participants of the program enjoyed leadership and team building activities, including a high ropes course.

Despite having to battle harsh weather conditions, participant Adelle Scott from South Gisborne Tennis Club said the high ropes course was her favourite activity.

“It was raining and really windy when we did the ropes course but it was heaps of fun,” said Adelle.

Adelle didn’t know any of the other students prior to the camp, but taking part in some ice-breaker activities certainly allowed everyone to become friends very quickly.

The students have since kept in contact, creating a Facebook group to keep in touch.

The participants were also taken through an Orientation to Coaching course by Tennis Victoria’s Executive Manager of Operations, Nick Hinneberg.

Tom Scott from Clarinda Tennis Club said the Orientation to Coaching course would

be very beneficial for his work as a part-time tennis coach.

“I really got a lot out of it and learnt more about what things to say, and what not to say, to the kids I coach,” said Tom.

“I learnt I should be giving more feedback when I coach, and not just say ‘bad luck’ or ‘good try’ to the kids.”

Other activities enjoyed by the participants included a trivia competition and an ‘ask the panel’ segment, which gave students the opportunity to ask experienced Tennis Victoria staff about their industry knowledge and employment opportunities.

Tom said he had a ball during the three-day program, and would love to attend again.

“I wish I could go next year, but unfortunately I’ll be too old by then,” said Tom.

Having completed the camp, the participants are still part of the Future Leaders Program and will undertake 40 hours of volunteer or fundraising work at their club before a graduation ceremony during Australian Open 2010.

Working together on a team challenge.

Giving tennis a bright future

Participants battle it out in a tug of war.

Participants negotiating the ropes course.


Registrations open mid-October for the 29th Tankworld-Rebound Ace Sports Victorian Country Tennis Association’s

(VCTA) annual Country Week tournament.

Mark Perdon of Bendigo has been attending Country Week for about 20 years and is looking forward to attending next year’s event.

“It’s always well organised, has good competition, and we get to see familiar faces each year,” he said.

For Perdon, the event brings out a lot of camaraderie within his team, and no matter what grade the team is in, he says the competition is always of a high standard.

“It’s a really well-spirited event. It encourages participation and there’s plenty of players in their 60’s still having a go.”

Carmel Durbidge, a senior player from Ballarat agrees, and believes the organisation of the event, and the way it caters for all ages, is a huge drawcard.

“There is a group of about 14 of us that go up. Not all of us play tennis, but it’s just a great week for everyone,” she said.

John Brookshaw, President of Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club, said planning for the 2010 event commenced immediately after last year’s tournament, with many social activities already arranged.

“We have a popular band to kick off the week, followed by a twilight race meeting, a spit roast night at the club rooms, and plenty of opportunities for players to sample the local food and wines,” he said.

The tournament will use Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club’s 51 grass courts, as well as a further 50 temporary courts set up on an adjoining soccer field.

Each team consists of either four men or four women and will have the option to play in grades ranging from A to C.

It’s not all about the tennis; matching outfits and a fantastic social calendar add to the atmosphere at Country Week.

Hart’s achievements recognisedMurray Hart has been recognised by Tennis Victoria for his 24 years of service and involvement in tennis by receiving a Tennis Victoria Service Award at the Wimmera Tennis Council AGM on 11 May.

Hart first found tennis back in 1985 when he joined the Stawell Tennis Club in Victoria’s Wimmera region.

Since then he has been involved in many facets of the game and held various club positions, including Junior Coordinator, Junior Squad Tournament Coordinator, Vice President and President.

Hart also received life membership from the Stawell Tennis Club in 2008. He has been involved with the Wimmera Regional Tennis Council since 2003, and held the Presidential role for three years.

Hart’s main passion and focus throughout his service to tennis has been the development of junior regional teams. He has been the driving force behind the development of junior tournaments within the Wimmera region by selecting teams, recording results and organising sponsorship, training days, uniforms and anything else that needed attending to.

Hart is now retiring and stepping down from Wimmera’s Regional Tennis Council but has left a legacy for other administrators to follow. Tennis Victoria wishes him all the best in the future.

Murray Hart receiving his Tennis Victoria Service Award from Greg Cooke.

Excitement brews for Country WeekDevotees of Country Week are already anticipating next year’s event, which will be held at the Swan Hill Lawn Tennis Club from 8-12 February.

If you would like to take part in this fantastic week and have the tennis experience of your life contact Pat Gilchrist at the VCTA on 5345 2926, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.tennis.com.au/vcta.

REGIONAL12


13NEWS

The festival was an initiative of the Indigenous Tennis Australia Foundation (ITAF) in partnership with

Tennis Victoria, Geelong Lawn Tennis Club, The Geelong College and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

The festival also coincided with National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week.

Indigenous children between the ages of 10 and 18, with tennis abilities ranging from beginner to advanced, participated in the three-day festival.

The festival included tennis clinics, coaching and talent assessment as well as a two-day tournament. Go For Your Life also conducted a clinic and education session, while traditional indigenous games adapted to tennis training were conducted with the kids.

The event incorporated traditional indigenous culture with a welcome from Wathaurong elder, Sue Darby, and Norm Stanley from Narana Creations playing the didgeridoo.

Tournament Director and ITAF Board Member Paul Gaff hopes that the first Darranggeeyt Festival of Tennis will be a strong beginning for indigenous tennis players.

“We’re hoping to enrich the lives of indigenous people through developing a passion for tennis,” said Gaff.

Gaff is hoping that this year’s Darranggeeyt Festival of Tennis will be the first of many to come.

“This was the first official indigenous tennis event to be held. There have been some smaller clinics conducted by keen coaches and communities, but there isn’t much yet established or structured in Victoria or Australia for indigenous players,” he said.

The aim of the tournament is to create pathways for indigenous children in tennis, with the long-term vision to develop world-class indigenous tennis players.

Gaff said that many of the children had an advanced skill level and a natural ability for tennis.

“The kids brought a lot of speed and agility to the tournament, which we’ve seen from them in other sports such as athletics and football.”

ITAF Advisory Board Member Lou Smarrelli said the Darranggeeyt Festival of Tennis was a great opportunity to introduce the sport of tennis to the kids.

“The kids are really big on footy, they talk non-stop about it, but it was good to show

them another sport they can get into and play in the summer,” said Smarrelli.

Since the festival, Dave McLachlan from Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative in Geelong has been organising tennis teams to play at Geelong Lawn Tennis Club this summer.

“Some of the kids had a natural ability for tennis as soon as they picked up a racquet, so I’m going to try to get a couple of teams together this summer,” said McLachlan.

McLachlan is hoping that creating indigenous tennis teams will create further interest in the sport from the kids.

The participants of the festival all received merchandise including t-shirts, drink bottles and medallions. Trophies were also presented to the tournament winners.

Indigenous kids get involved in the Go For Your Life session. Receiving some tennis coaching at the festival.

Having at hit during the festival.

Bringing tennis to the indigenous communityNearly 50 indigenous school children took part in the inaugural Darranggeeyt Festival of Tennis from 7-9 July at Geelong Lawn Tennis Club and The Geelong College.


14 CLUBS

Tennis Victoria has registered the ‘Neale Fraser Foundation’ as a project with the ASF to make it easier for clubs such

as YTC, to access the ASF’s tax deductible status for donors wishing to support the development of tennis facilities.

YTC received two grants totalling almost $7,000 which contributed to their facility upgrades of converting two red porous courts to hard courts, the installation of a 56,000 litre water tank and repairs and resurfacing to two existing red porous courts.

YTC is the first tennis club to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the NFF to fundraise for a ‘Community Tennis Facility’ project.

Yarraville Tennis Club’s Secretary Ken Jones believes the NFF project is an initiative more clubs should look at utilising.

“The administration process is not difficult at all, it was very straight forward in terms of applying,” said Jones.

“I can only urge other clubs to take the opportunity to go through the program; it’s a lot better than borrowing money and having to pay it back.”

As part of the upgrade, six of the club’s existing red porous and hardcourts have been converted to the ‘True

Blue’ Plexicushion surface.

The club now has grass, ‘Plexicushion’ and red porous/clay court surfaces as used at Wimbledon, the Australian and US Opens, and the French Open respectively.

Low level lighting, a fitness studio (staffed by O’Malley Fitness) and the completion of a Water Efficiency Project, are also new additions to the club.

The Water Efficiency Project involved the installation of a sub-surface drip irrigation system to seven of the club’s 13 natural grass courts, hopefully resulting in water savings of 50% on those courts.

Club President Bob Spurling said the club has experienced an unprecedented growth

in membership since the completion of the projects.

“The community is recognising the incredible value that membership at Geelong Lawn Tennis Club includes. We believe the new facilities will benefit our young players in particular,” he said.

Twelve months ago the club had 680 members; they are now up to 800.

Mr Spurling hopes to see players benefit from the new facilities and go on to compete in the Grand Slam events around the world.

The facility upgrades have been funded with State Government and Local Council support, internal club funding and other borrowings. A substantial contribution was also made by Tennis Australia through the Court Rebate Scheme.

Jones also believes that tax deductible donations undoubtedly made the idea of contributing more attractive to people. While donors must donate unconditionally to the ASF, they were able to nominate the NFF (Yarraville Tennis Club) project as their preferred beneficiary.

To raise donations and awareness of the initiative, Jones sent out letters to existing YTC members asking for their support.

Along with the ASF grants, significant funding from the State Government, Tennis Australia (through the Court Rebate Scheme) and club financing allowed the facility upgrades at YTC to be possible.

The NFF is part of Tennis Victoria’s ongoing commitment to support the development of tennis, by helping to raise much-needed funds to upgrade local tennis facilities and aid the progress of Victoria’s emerging young players.

The foundation project works by community members including individuals and businesses donating to the ASF and nominating a preferred beneficiary for their contribution.

Yarraville Tennis Club takes opportunity with the Neale Fraser Foundation

New look for Geelong Lawn Tennis Club

The Yarraville Tennis Club (YTC) is celebrating recent upgrades to their facilities after successfully working with Tennis Victoria’s Neale Fraser Foundation (NFF) and the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) to assist with its fundraising.

Geelong Lawn Tennis Club is now one of the few clubs in Australia who can boast that they have access to the three different Grand Slam court surfaces, after their recent $550,000 facility upgrade.

Players at Geelong Lawn Tennis Club have a hit on the new Plexicushion courts.

Clubs can take advantage of the NFF by applying to fundraise for a ‘Community Tennis Facility’ project. To get started on your own fundraising effort or for more information, including Tennis Victoria’s Policy and application forms, visit www.tennis.com.au/vic (Foundation/Facilities Development Fund) or contact Tennis Victoria on 8420 8420.

For anyone wishing to donate to the ASF in support of the NFF project, donation forms can also be found in the Foundation section of the Tennis Victoria website. All donations of $2 or over to the ASF are tax deductible.

“The club is grateful to the City of Greater Geelong, the State and Federal Governments, Tennis Victoria and Tennis Australia for their support,” said Mr Spurling.

Tennis Victoria’s President, David Stobart officially opened the club’s new facilities on 4 June 2009.

BUSHFiRE UPdATEThe Neale Fraser Foundation – Tennis Bushfire Relief Appeal has now raised $29,000. Tennis Victoria thanks the many individuals, clubs and associations that have put the time and effort into fundraising and donating to this cause.

We are pleased to announce that $1,650 was recently spent to up skill Michael Stott (a Kinglake resident and tennis club member) to become a qualified tennis coach for Kinglake Ranges Tennis Club, thereby providing further opportunities for the community to engage in tennis.


15 ADMINISTRATOR

Member BenefitsMONTHly PRiZE WiNNERS*

Congratulations to the following Tennis Victoria Members who have won a tennis pack.

JUlyDaryl Hurle of the Warrandyte Tennis Club

AUgUSTOwen Jackson of the Fountain Gate Tennis Club

SEPTEMBERNikki Stevenson of the Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club

* Tennis Victoria randomly selects a member from our database each month to win a tennis prize pack.

PlAyER OFFERSAAMi ClASSiCReceive a 10% discount and preferential seating (sections 9, 22 and 23) on General Admission tickets to the AAMI Classic at Kooyong (13-16 January 2010).

Details on how to purchase tickets will be communicated to members via email and will be available in October on the Tennis Victoria website www.tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits).

WilSONTennis Victoria members receive an exclusive discount on Wilson tennis racquets and equipment at participating retailers during specified promotional periods.

Visit the Tennis Victoria website www.tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits) for more information and a list of participating retailers.

PRElli RACQUETSPrelli Racquets is the Official Restringer of Tennis Victoria. Members can benefit from Prelli’s 20 years of experience and get a 10% discount off retail prices on tennis racquets, restrings, footwear, clothing and accessories (conditions apply – see in store for details).

Visit Prelli Racquets at 207-209 Victoria Parade, Collingwood today.

RECOVER SPORTS MEdiCiNEReceive a 10% discount on physiotherapy treatments at Recover Sports Medicine Clinics (Richmond, Glen Waverley and Bayside) by presenting your membership card. The clinic has experienced physiotherapists, all involved in sports, including Sabine Groscurth who worked on the WTA Tour treating the world’s best tennis players for 3 years (2005-2008).

Visit the Tennis Victoria website www.tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits) for more information and location details.

TENNiS WORldBuy 1-get-1 FREE offers for Tennis Workout and Tours of Melbourne Park from Tennis World, at the home of the Australian Open. A redemption voucher will be sent out with new membership cards for 2009/10.

iNTREPid TRAVElFor travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world – real people, real cultures and incredible real life experiences. Intrepid travellers explore the world’s most amazing places – from the back streets of Asia, to the wilds of Africa, the colourful landscapes of Latin America, the delicacies of Europe and ancient cultures of Australasia.

Intrepid Travel offers Tennis Victoria Members 7% off their global adventures and will donate an additional 3% to the Neale Fraser Foundation from all bookings received.

Full offer details are available online at www.intrepidtravel.com/tennisvic.

MOMENTUM ENERgySwitch your business electricity to Momentum Energy and receive great rates, up to 13% prompt payment discount and a welcome credit on your first bill (conditions apply).

Call 1300 662 778 to speak with the Tennis Victoria Account Manager today.

HERAld SUNHave the Herald Sun home delivered from Mon-Sun for just $6.95 per week, a saving of 29% (conditions apply).

Visit the Tennis Victoria website www.tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits) for more information.

ClUB OFFERSWilSON SPORTiNg gOOdSWilson Sporting Goods offers Tennis Victoria Affiliates the opportunity to purchase Wilson Australian Open tennis balls at discounted prices.

Please visit www.tennis.com.au/vic (Clubs/Affiliation) to download your order form or call 8420 8420.

MOMENTUM ENERgyMomentum Energy offers clubs great energy rates and “cash back” to go towards your club’s development. With better customer service and green energy for businesses, Momentum Energy can help Tennis Victoria clubs to SWITCH, NOW SAVE.

Call 1300 662 778 to speak with the Tennis Victoria Account Manager today.

2009 TCAV AWARdS Tennis Coaches Australia Victoria (TCAV) is seeking nominations for the 2009 TCAV Awards for the period 1 Oct 2008 – 30 September 2009.

The awards night will be held at Feddish Bar in Federation Square in November and nominations are being taken for the following award categories:

ClUB COACH OF THE yEAR: An award for outstanding contributions from Club Professionals over the last 12 months. Self and colleague nominations will be accepted.

COACH OF THE yEAR:Awarded to the most outstanding coach over a two year period.

RiSiNg STAR AWARd:This is a new award for most outstanding coach aged 30 or younger.

HAll OF FAME:The TCAV Hall of Fame currently has 14 inductees. TCAV will induct two additional life long coaches into the Hall of Fame this November.

lEgENd:One of the coaches in the Hall of Fame will be elevated to a TCAV Legend. They will join TCAV’s sole Legend, Ian Occleshaw.

Nomination criteria for each of these awards can be found on the TCAV website at www.tcav.com.au or by emailing Peter Owen at [email protected].

Nominations for the 2009 TCAV awards will close 26 October 2009.

Please send all applications to:

Post: TCAV PO Box 4217 Knox City Centre VIC 3152

E-mail: [email protected]

Fax: 9887 2366

To receive email notifications about upcoming member benefits, please send an email to [email protected].

October 2009 Victorian Tennis News (VTN)

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Transcript of October 2009 Victorian Tennis News (VTN)