Tennis Victoria October 2010 VTN

uS OPENA great run from Sally Peers

PrEmiEr LEAguE introducing Tennis Victoria’s newest competition

ClubsGolden oldies

JuniorsVictorians on tour in Europe

regionalLadies doing it for themselves

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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

Tennis Victoria affiliated clubs and centres can access a range of programs to help build member numbers, engage various demographic groups and break down barriers to connect with more participants. There’s never been a better time to run one of our programs, including:

•Club Open Days•MLC Tennis Hot Shots/Challenges•Seniors’ Social Program•Tennis in Schools

To sign-up, or for more information, contact your Community Tennis Officer on (03) 8420 8420 today or visit tennis.com.au/vic (Clubs/Programs).

9 easy ways to attractplayers to your club ...

... and they’re available now!

Photographer: Andrew Gyopar



•Mums’ Program•Multicultural Program•Disability Program•Indigenous Program

June 2010 marked the completion of our 2006-10 Strategic Plan and I am pleased to report that the Tennis Victoria team has exceeded a number of the targets set, resulting in significant positive outcomes for tennis over the period of this plan. Some of the key achievements include:

• The establishment of 10 introductory tennis programs that encouraged over 103,000 participants to play tennis in 2010

• An extensive membership restructure which includes the introduction/establishment of:

- One payment per player, regardless of how many clubs they are a member of

- A close relationship with the Victorian Country Tennis Association

- Clubs submitting player details so that registration cards and benefits such as tennis ticketing offers can be offered

- Scaled affiliation payments - Pro-rata fees for new members who join in the second half of a

club’s membership year - The family registration category - The My Tennis membership management tool

• A Facilities Planning Framework that provides valuable research data to assist all tennis stakeholders to make informed decisions about future tennis facilities

• 30% of the athletes (as at 30 June 2010) within Tennis Australia’s National High Performance Academy were Victorian athletes

• Identifying opportunities to promote our player development programs through the following:

- Better engagement with tennis schools - Closer links with private academies - Improved transparency through Australian Rankings and objective

state selection policies

A more comprehensive review of these achievements will be published in Tennis Victoria’s 2009/10 Annual Report which will be available online in October.

As many of you are aware, I have recently resigned as CEO of Tennis Victoria. As this is my last VTN message I would like to take this opportunity to say farewell and thank you for your support. I am privileged to have been a member of such a vibrant team.

FrOm THE TOP

CONTACT US

Tennis Victoria Phone (03) 8420 8420Fax (03) 8420 8499Email [email protected] Locked Bag 6001 Richmond VIC 3121Web tennis.com.au/vic

Ian Clark, Tennis Victoria – CEO

OUR SUPPORTERS

news 4Tennis Victoria PennantIntroducing Premier LeagueVictorian juniors tour EuropeSally Peers tastes US Open successPizzey Cup team battles wild weather in Wollongong

juniors 7Waverley Tennis dominatesFrank Sedgman CupPrelli Achievement Award

regional 9Ladies doing it for themselves

participation 10Country Week returns to Yarrawonga2010 Future Leaders campGolden oldiesSports Development Program

clubs 132010-15 Strategic PlanTennis really is a sport for life

coaches 14Meet Karl and MegTCAV update

administrator 15Member benefits

THE VTN T EAM

Editor Lisa WinklerContributors Tanya Mason Jessica Hartland Production Tennis VictoriaCover Sally PeersFront Cover Photography Getty Images

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 tennis.com.au/vic.

NEXT iSSuE: JANuArY 2011

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VTN VICTORIAN TENNIS NEWS OCT’10

NEWS

As Pennant 2010 draws to a close, this season has seen more than:

• 4000 players• 550 teams• 140 clubs• 14,000 matches• 29,000 sets• 7000 cans of balls used

As the largest club representative competition in the country, Pennant provides a high-quality inter-club competition that caters to local tennis clubs, centres and players.

Following a comprehensive review at the end of the 2009 season, changes to a number of areas, including the rain/wash-out rule, finals format and the use of lights to get a result were made to enhance the playing experience. The changes proved popular with an increase in teams for this year’s competition.

“The changes to the competition following last year’s review have been well accepted,”

Tennis Victoria Pennantsaid Daryl Carter, Chairman of the Pennant Committee.

Careful consideration was also given to the scheduling of Australian Ranking (AR) tournaments to ensure there was no overlap with Pennant, giving players the best opportunity to compete.

The 2010 season will be remembered by many for using lights for the first time to complete matches and the tough weather conditions that left many matches unfinished due to rain interruptions.

The competition also embraced a new online results system for both clubs and players to enter/view results with great success.

Chris Larkin, Manager of Open Competitions and Tournaments at Tennis Victoria, was pleased with the response to the new system.

“Clubs adapted to the new system particularly well,” said Larkin.

“They were able to enter results more efficiently which meant players were able to access results quicker so everyone was happy.”

Congratulations to all teams and players who participated in Pennant 2010. Tennis Victoria looks forward to another successful competition in 2011.

Introducing Premier League

G eelong Lawn Tennis Club is set to make a return to Tennis Victoria’s top level of competition after a 54-year

absence.

Having been renamed and remodelled for 2010, the top tier of competition in the state will now be know as Premier League (formerly State Grade), with a five-round (plus finals) season commencing on the first weekend in October.

“The relaunch of State Grade as Premier League is an exciting concept,” said Daryl Carter, Chairman of the Pennant Committee.

“It will feature a higher level of play, with the expected addition of touring players and elite juniors who will now be in Australia for the competition due to the new timeslot.”

Geelong Lawn Tennis Club is looking forward to the start of the season.

“The club is excited to be part of the 2010 Premier League competition,” said Bob Spurling, Geelong Lawn Tennis Club’s President.

“We believe that the new format works well for us and we are pleased to provide this opportunity for Geelong-based players who, in the past, have had to travel to Melbourne to compete at this level.“

The clubs who will battle it out for the Premier League title in the 2010 season are:

MEN’SDendy Park Tennis ClubGeelong Lawn Tennis ClubGrace Park Lawn Tennis ClubKooyong Lawn Tennis ClubListon Tennis ClubMelbourne Cricket Club (MCC)

WOMEN’S Dendy Park Tennis Club Geelong Lawn Tennis Club Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club

Men’s teams will each meet once, and the

women’s twice, with rounds commencing on Sunday 3 October.

Rounds four and five will be a double-header played on 23 and 24 October. The finals will be played on Sunday 14 November at Glen Iris Valley Recreation Club.

The format for Premier League will be three doubles rubbers followed by six singles rubbers. Doubles matches will be the best of two tiebreak sets with a third set tiebreak. Singles matches will be the best of three sets.

A new innovation for Premier League will be the introduction of an on-court coach who will be able to provide advice and assistance to players on match day.

“This was something many of the players requested during the review and we hope that all the teams will make the most of this exciting change,” said Larkin.

“The start of the Premier League competition is almost upon us and we wish all the clubs and players best of luck for what should be a great new competition.”

Premier LeagueVictoria

Laura Rabinovich in Grade 1 Pennant action for Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

tennis.com.au/vic

5NEWS

Victorian juniors tour Europe

As Australia’s top players travelled to Europe to compete over winter, so too did some of Victoria’s top juniors.

Isabella Beischer was selected for the 14/u Young Stars Tour which took her to Europe for six weeks.

Whilst in Paris competing at the BNP Paribas Cup Stade Francais tournament, Isabella recorded many great results, whilst also learning a lot.

“It’s good to know she is able to match it with the best in Europe,” said Mark Hlawaty, girls’ coach for the Young Stars Tour.

The pair also managed to find time away from tennis to sightsee, with bicycles their transport of choice.

“We cruised around on our bikes for three and a half hours through the quaint back streets of Paris, seeing some beautiful sights like secret gardens and passageways, a stray cannonball from the revolution, the house of Jim Morrison and Victor Hugo, the Louvre and much more,” said Beischer.

Isabella’s tour culminated with Australian representation at the ITF World Junior Tennis Competition Final in Prostejov in the Czech Republic. With teammates Ashleigh Barty and Lyann Hoang from Queensland, the unseeded team had a great tournament, finishing third.

“To finish third place in such a prestigious team event is a fantastic result for Australian tennis, and it shows where the girls are on the world stage. This was a thoroughly well deserved team effort in often difficult and trying circumstances,” said Hlawaty.

Other Victorians selected to go on tour included Marc Polmans, Omar Jasika, Annabelle Andrinopoulos and Katerina Valos.

“Tennis Australia has made a strong commitment to giving our best junior players development opportunities to train and compete on clay,” said Mark Edney, Tennis Australia’s Camps and Tours Coordinator.

“It is absolutely vital that these juniors have the chance to compete against the best kids in the world.

“At this stage the results are not as important as the learning experience. These tours are a huge learning curve for them. They are coping with life on the road, unfamiliar food and routines, living in hotels and dealing with the inevitable homesickness, as well as having to train and compete each day.”

“It is fantastic to see the next generation of Aussie juniors making their mark on the world stage,” said Nick Hinneberg, Executive Manager of Operations at Tennis Victoria.

“Such performances provide our juniors with the motivation to keep working hard towards achieving their own long term tennis goals.”

Tennis Victoria congratulates all these juniors on their selections and for their hard work, commitment and dedication to tennis.

Isabella Beischer celebrates with (l to r:) Lyann Hoang, Mark Hlawaty and Ashleigh Barty.

Members of the Young Stars Tour in Cologne (l to r:) Bradley Mousley, team manager Mark Edney, Marc Polmans and Naiktha Bains.

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NEWS

Sally Peers tastes US Open success

Sally Peers realised a dream at the 2010 US Open. Not only did she win her way through three rounds of qualifying to

make her first Grand Slam main draw, she smashed world No.54 Aleksandra Wozniak 6-0 6-1 in the first round.

“I played a pretty flawless match,” Peers said after her win.

“It’s just been really fun taking everything in. To win one round of qualifying, I was stoked with. To win two was amazing and then to

qualify and play in a slam was just a dream.

“Now to have won a round, I can’t describe it.”

In the second round, Peers came up against the defending champion, Kim Clijsters on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“It was a dream come true. If there was one of the top players to choose to play, it would have been Kim for sure.

“I didn’t want it to end. I was having a really, really good time,” said Peers after falling to Clijsters 6-2 6-1. “It was a real big learning curve. I was playing Kim Clijsters, the defending champion. It’s not every day you get to play someone like that.

“So I was just trying to learn as much as I could and I think I got a lot out of it.”

Peers’s mother, Elizabeth, played in the 1981 US Open women’s singles, as well as several Australian Opens and Wimbledon. After an exhaustive search, officials from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said only eight mother-daughter combinations from anywhere in the world had ever contested the women’s singles at Grand Slam-level in the open era.

Peers is a member of the Australian Institute of Sport Pro Tour Program and has been steadily improving during her transition to the senior ranks. Promising results on the ITF circuit this year include winning in Ipswich in April, reaching the final in Mildura and Bundaberg, and the quarterfinals in Korea.

Sally Peers returns a forehand against Kim Clijsters at the US Open.

Pizzey Cup team battles wild weather in WollongongVictorian juniors battled the elements to finish second at the recent School Sport Australia 19/u Tennis Championships, otherwise known as the Pizzey Cup, in Wollongong NSW. Not only did the team have to battle strong opposition, but also weather conditions that included cyclonic wind, rain and cold.

Eliza Long, a year nine student at Catholic College in Bendigo represented Victoria in her first Pizzey Cup and thoroughly enjoyed her experience.

“I loved it,” said Long. “It was great tennis, but I especially enjoyed getting to know my teammates and the team aspect. I definitely hope to make the team again next year.”

The Victorian team comprised eight girls and eight boys from across the state who were selected following tryouts.

The team was managed by school teachers Graeme Waight and Kerry Jolly from Wanganui Park Secondary School and Bryan McKenna from Cobram Secondary College.

In total, six states and territories contested the event, which attracted Australian Ranking points for competitors. Players from each state and territory competed for selection in the All Australian Tennis Team.

Congratulations to the following Victorian players who were selected:

• Sophie Vickers • Natalie Gennissen • Kelsey Williams • Jordan Cowling • Mitchell Burman • Matt Findlay • Pat Besson

In addition to the team event, players also contested an individual singles tournament. The 2010 Victorian Pizzey Cup Team.

Kelsey Williams played superbly to defeat Ashley Keir from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 8-6 in the final and win the Australian Cup, which is awarded to the winner of the Australian girls’ singles competition.

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tennis.com.au/vic

7 JUNIORS

Waverley Tennis dominatesWaverley Tennis secured its second consecutive Association and Regional Teams Challenge over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, defeating North Eastern Junior Tennis Association (NEJTA) 16-8 in the final.

The largest of Tennis Victoria’s Regional Team Events, the Association and Regional Teams Challenge is an annual event that comprises teams of two boys and two girls in each of the 12/u, 14/u and 16/u age groups.

Held in Bendigo, the mixed teams’ event attracted 144 players (12 teams) from metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

“This is one of the few Regional Team Events where multiple age groups are represented,” said Jason Simmons, Tennis Victoria’s Manager of Junior Competitions and Tournaments.

“The team bonding and interaction was evident when walking around and that’s what makes it such a fun and successful tournament that people enjoy coming to each year.”

Karen Butler, Waverley Tennis’s Team Manager, believes the regular interaction

Berwick and District Tennis Association won its first Regional Team Event, the 11/u mixed Frank Sedgman Cup, defeating the favourites, Eastern Region, to take the title.

In a closely fought final, Berwick and District won four sets to two.

”The kids played awesome,” said Janet Cox, Berwick and District’s Team Manager.

“They played as a team and should be very proud of themselves.”

“It is the first time Berwick has won a Regional Team Event and the kids have worked very hard for it.”

In another first, this was the first time one of Tennis Victoria’s Regional Team Events was played indoors, taking advantage of the great facilities on offer at the newly renovated Tennis Ballarat.

“We are running our first Optus Junior Tour (OJT) tournament in September, so this tournament was a fantastic opportunity

for players to experience our facilities,” said Brad Greenbank, General Manager at Tennis Ballarat.

The venue was praised by Jason Simmons, Tennis Victoria’s Manager of Junior Competitions and Tournaments.

Frank Sedgman Cup

”With cold and wet conditions over the weekend it was pleasing to complete the event at a fantastic indoor facility that all of Ballarat should be proud to have.”

In total, 16 teams (11 regional and five metropolitan) comprising two boys and two girls took part in the event.

The winning Berwick and District Tennis Association team with Team Manager, Janet Cox, and Tennis Victoria’s President, David Stobart.

between team members contributed to their win.

“All the kids have grown up together, trained together and they support each other. That is why I think we are so successful,” said Butler.

144 players competed in the Association and Regional Teams Challenge.

“We had some very good doubles combinations that got us over the line.”

“On paper it looked easy but it really wasn’t. We were lucky to get a good start, going 7-2 up.”

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VTN VICTORIAN TENNIS NEWS OCT’ 10

JUNIORS8

VTN VICTORIAN TENNIS NEWS

Prelli Achievement Award SUPPORT SPONSOR OF TENNIS VICTORIA’STALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The Prelli Racquets Talent Development Award is a collaboration between Tennis Victoria and Prelli Racquets established to recognise the achievements of Talent Development Program participants who also display outstanding sporting qualities such as hard work, sportsmanship and determination for success.

JAIMEE FOURLIS

Currently ranked No.1 in Victoria for her birth year and No.486 in Australia, a climb of almost 300 places in the last 12 months, Jaimee Fourlis is continuing to rise up the rankings.

Jaimee’s father Bill describes her as an aggressive player, who prefers hitting winners to rallying and, to her credit, has a very strong volley game.

“On court she is very competitive and wants to win. That’s her main asset. She just loves her tennis,” he said. “Jaimee was ridiculously small when she started playing competition tennis aged five with her sister Elly.”

2010 has been a big year for Jaimee, playing Grade 4 Pennant as the No.1 player with the Bulleen Tennis Club. This has greatly benefited her tournament results and subsequent ranking.

A big achievement for Jaimee, who was just 10 years of age at the time, was winning the 14/u girls’ singles at the 2010 Victorian Junior Claycourt Championships in July. Jaimee defeated the third seed, Jayde Alice Viccars, 6-2 6-3 in the final.

Jaimee currently trains with Tennis Victoria’s Talent Development Program and also spends time on court with Vida Tennis’s Vince Dattoli.

“Jaimee is tracking towards being one of the best players in her birth year,” said Ashley Naumann, Tennis Victoria’s Talent Development Manager.

“Her game is continually developing and she is very good technically. Her work rate and on-court attitude is also excellent.”

Justine Henin is Jaimee’s favourite tennis player and she hopes to one day play on the professional tour like her hero.

STEFAN SkADARkA

Roger Federer has claimed 63 career titles, including 16 Grand Slams. Stefan Skadarka dreams of one day winning more titles than his favourite player.

Stefan began playing tennis at Laverton Park Tennis Club when he was five years old. He began playing competitive tennis in Saturday competitions and by the age of seven was the youngest player in Junior Pennant. At the early age of seven and a half Stefan played his first Junior Development Series event at Boroondara. Now aged 11, Stefan competes in three or four of the national events per year and as many other tournaments his busy schedule permits.

“Stefan is a good student as well as a good tennis player,” said Elizabeth Skadarka, Stefan’s mother.

She describes him as a calm player who always tries his best, is very competitive and pushes himself in everything he does.

Stefan is currently ranked No.3 in Victoria and No.24 in Australia for his age and he lives and breathes tennis. He records details of matches played in a personal diary. He is also known to ‘play’ matches with Federer in the house or backyard and doesn’t like being interrupted when he is 5-4 up and has match point to defeat the world No.2!

Tennis Victoria’s Talent Development Program Manager, Ashley Naumann, says Stefan is a well deserving winner of the award.

“Stefan’s game is developing well and has done so over the past year,” said Naumann.

Stefan currently trains twice a week with the Talent Development Program, whilst also training twice a week with his private coach.

Stefan describes himself as an all-rounder on the tennis court and his favourite shot is his forehand.

Jaimee Fourlis and Stefan Skadarka are the winners of the Prelli Racquets Talent Development Award and will each receive a $250 voucher.

tennis.com.au/vic

REGIONAL 9

Ladies doing it for themselvesIn the President’s Report for the 1968/69 season, the President of the Shepparton and District Tennis Association reported that ‘during the summer, some ladies with an insatiable taste for the game competed in a midweek competition in which two sections were drawn, more or less designed to reduce the travelling of the outer clubs’.

And so the story of the Shepparton and District Ladies Midweek Tennis Association began, with 11 teams competing on a Tuesday. It didn’t take long for word to spread and the competition to grow at a rate of knots.

Within six years the competition became part of the Shepparton and District Tennis Association and by 1982 there were more than 500 players and 120 teams competing, requiring the ladies to form their own Association. And so, the Shepparton and District Ladies Midweek Tennis Association was officially born.

As the competition continued to grow it has had to adapt to suit the varying requirements of players. Over the years, the changes that have been implemented have included the introduction of a summer and winter competition, a Thursday time-slot and a handicap system whereby stronger teams would start each game at 0–30. More recently it developed a website and started publishing results and ladders online.

“At the 2010 Annual General Meeting it was voted to eliminate finals,” said Cheryl Cottrell, President of the Shepparton and District Ladies Midweek Tennis Association.

“First and second on the ladder are now to be declared the winner and runner-up respectively. This allows all players three more weeks of tennis per season.”

The borrowing of players from other grades and clubs to eliminate forfeits has also been introduced.

To honour the amazing achievements of many of its members, the Association developed the Rose and Orchid awards. In 1995 the first ‘Rose’ award was presented to ladies 70 years or older who still play in the midweek competition on a regular basis. The award is an engraved plaque and a rose bush. To date, 43 ladies have been honoured with the Rose award, with many more still to come.

The ‘Orchid’ award was introduced in 2005 to honour ladies 80 years of age and older who still play midweek tennis. An orchid corsage and engraved pin has been presented to six ladies so far.

In 2007, the Association celebrated its 25th anniversary with a luncheon attended by 180 guests including past players, special guests and a guest speaker. Certificates were presented to the ladies who had been playing for the full 25 years. Morning and afternoon tea recipe books (with treasured recipes provided by the players) were sold to help cover the costs of the event.

“This was a huge event,” said Cottrell. “It was enjoyed by all and there were many requests for a 30 year reunion in 2012.”

Whilst the number of teams playing has declined due to many factors, the ladies who still play enjoy the competitive and social aspects each week and the friendships forged over time.

“The morning/afternoon teas are also well received,” said Cottrell.

“Good hitting ladies!”

Hardworking members of the Shepparton and District Midweek Ladies Committee. Back row (l to r:) Barbara Mulligan, Belinda Downs and Heather Thomson. Front row (l to r:) Jan Sabri, Yvonne Law, Cheryl Cottrell and Julie Jones.

Bonney Esam and June Simpson with their ‘Rose’ awards presented in 2009.

10 PARTICIPATION


Country Week returns to YarrawongaTennis players from all corners of Victoria will converge on the town of Yarrawonga for the 29th Tankworld-Rebound Ace Sports Victorian Country Tennis Association (VCTA) Country Week in February 2011.

Yarrawonga will host Country Week, Australia’s largest grass court tournament, for the first time in 12 years and the town is overjoyed.

“Yarrawonga is a small town with under 5000 people so an event like this creates a huge buzz for everyone,” said Kay Hanrahan from the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club who has taken on the role of Country Week Co-ordinator to organise and prepare all things Country Week.

Kay is duly qualified for the role, having only missed playing one Country Week in the event’s history.

“I love my tennis and Country Week. I love catching up with the same people and meeting new ones each year,” said Hanrahan.

Country Week is an exceptional event that one has to experience to believe. The event provides an opportunity for players of all ages and abilities to come together for a week of fun, excitement, socialising and, of course, tennis.

The event is entered into diaries each year, producing many ‘Country Week fanatics’

including John Tadd from the Macedon Ranges Tennis Club.

“It’s really about meeting people, the camaraderie and playing on grass is fantastic. It’s a top week,“ said Tadd, who will contest his 21st Country Week in February alongside teammates, including his eldest son.

In contrast, Jeanette Salter played her first Country Week this year, entering a team with Kilmore Tennis Club having seen her husband, sons and daughter have so much fun.

“I got a group of ladies together and entered a team,” said Salter.

“We all just loved it. It was very well organised. Everybody is ready to go and all geared up for Yarrawonga.”

The event will attract as many as 200 teams and 1200 players, injecting an expected $2 million into the local Yarrawonga community with hotels, restaurants and bars expected to be filled to capacity for the week.

To cater for players’ needs, and ensure the event runs smoothly, the Yarrawonga Tennis Club has engaged local volunteer services including the Lions Club, Country Women’s Association, Probis Club and Inner Wheel.

“This way the club and the whole town [will] benefit,” said Hanrahan.

“In return for services and man power, each charity will receive a donation.”

The ever important social activities will kick-off with a welcome meal at the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club that everyone is encouraged to attend. A full social agenda will be available with entry forms. If you want to experience what will be one of the best weeks of the year, teams of four men or four women can be entered. All players are welcome, and all grades will be catered for.

The 2011 Country Week tournament will be played from 14 -18 February 2011 at the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club.

Entries will open in October and application forms will be available online at tennis.com.au/vcta or by contacting Pat Gilchrist and Carol Pearce from the VCTA on (03) 5345 2926 or [email protected].

Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club will host Country Week in 2011.

DO YOU HAVE A GREAT STORY TO TELL ABOUT GRASSROOTS TENNIS?

Do you know a club, administrator, coach or player who is doing great things for the sport of tennis in Victoria?

Here is your chance to tell us about it!

Tennis Victoria encourages the tennis community to submit news stories and photos to feature in upcoming issues of the VTN, Hot off the Court or Club Ambassador e-newsletter. Contributions can be forwarded to Lisa Winkler via e-mail to [email protected].

Whilst we cannot publish all stories/photos submitted, we will consider all suggestions.

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Country Week is as much about the social gathering as it is the tennis.

tennis.com.au/vic

11PARTICIPATION

2010 Future Leaders campOn a cold winter’s morning at the end of June, 11 Future Leaders from across Victoria gathered to brave the freezing temperatures and attend Tennis Victoria’s 2010 Future Leaders Camp in Gembrook. After warming up by the fire and enjoying a few ice breaker activities, the students enjoyed a fun-filled three days of leadership, teamwork and tennis activities.

Highlights of the camp included an initiatives course which involved team-orientated challenges, low ropes (which students completed blind folded) and a competitive Nintendo Wii tennis tournament. “It was really good how only a couple of people knew someone else going into the camp, and by the end of it you would have thought we all belonged to the same tennis club and we’d been good friends for a long time,” said Chelsea De Amyand from Georges Creek Tennis Club.

Students also completed an Introduction to MLC Tennis Hot Shots coaching course.

“The Introduction to MLC Tennis Hot Shots coaching course was great and will be useful in the future,” said Morgan Lobe from the Rosanna Tennis Club.

Danielle Russom, Tennis Victoria’s Future Leaders Program Coordinator, was very pleased with the way the students conducted themselves over the three days and how they developed as the camp progressed.

“Many of the students did not know anyone else at the beginning of the camp, but by the end of the three days they were confident enough to coach one another through

difficult challenges and work together as an effective team,” said Russom.

Students have taken the skills learnt back to their tennis clubs where they are now completing 40 hours of volunteer work on projects such as developing their club’s website, establishing an MLC Tennis Hot Shots Program for juniors and running tournaments, competitions and social programs for members.

“I am amazed at the challenges these students have taken on and the confidence with which they have thrown themselves into the tasks ahead,” said Russom.

“I am sure there will be many success stories from these projects and the students will thoroughly deserve the Australian Open 2011 tickets they will receive at the graduation ceremony in January.”

The next Future Leaders Camp will take place in June/July 2011 and is open to Tennis Victoria members completing Year 10 or 11. For further information about the program, please contact Danielle Russom at Tennis Victoria on (03) 8420 8420 or via [email protected].

Participants completed some activities blindfolded to build trust with other students.

COMMONWEALTH GAMESCongratulations to the following Victorians who were selected to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi from 3-14 October:

• Peter Luczak • Anastasia Rodionova• Sally Peers • Olivia Rogowska

SCHOLARSHIPSCongratulations to the following athletes who were successful in obtaining a Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) Individual Scholarship for 2010/11:

• Michael Dobbie• Matthew Ingram

Students had to work together on the initiatives course.

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PARTICIPATION12

Golden oldiesRunning the 35+ Seniors’ Social Program is a great way to get older members of your community active and help them live a long, healthy life. Run in a non-competitive environment, the program is also a great way to utilise your club’s courts during down times and increase membership.

Altona Tennis Club has been running the program for a number of years with great success. There are about 30 players participating on a weekly basis, with a ‘hit and giggle’ group for beginners and competitive male and female groups for those who enjoy the more serious side of tennis.

The ladies play a round robin format where they play eight games before changing partners to mix games up.

“We don’t keep a daily score. We don’t [like to] have a winner or loser on the day,” said Mary Baldwin, the Senior Social Coordinator at Altona Tennis Club.

The participants range in age with the eldest being Iris Brady and Linda Findlay, both 83.

“Iris comes along every week. She likes the company and likes to be there. Iris might only play four games and then sit four off. Or she might play eight or 10 games and say she’s had enough and sit the rest off.”

Another club successfully running the program is Sacred Heart Oakleigh, who recently celebrated the 90th birthday of one of its members, David Mulhern.

David immigrated to Australia in 1951 and continued his love of tennis, playing at the Knox Indoor Tennis Centre and Glen Eira Tennis Club, before joining Sacred Heart Oakleigh Veterans in October 1997.

“He was a keen competitor and nearly always first to arrive,” said Frank Sutherland, the Senior Social Coordinator at Sacred Heart Oakleigh Tennis Club.

“On Friday 23 July the club met on a special day to celebrate his 90th birthday. After the meal, speeches and birthday cake,

a presentation was made to honour the occasion.”

If your club is interested in running a 35+ Seniors’ Social Program, you can start one from scratch or link-in with an ongoing Seniors’ Social Program. Tennis Victoria will provide free tennis balls and a 35+ Seniors’ Social Program sign.

For more information, contact your Community Tennis Officer on (03) 8420 8420.

The ladies at Altona Tennis Club enjoy a regular weekly hit.

Sports Development ProgramSince its inception in 2006, Sports

Education and Development Australia (SEDA) has engaged up

to 800 Victorian school students with a curriculum and delivery approach which has revolutionised the way students learn.

The Tennis Victoria Sports Development Program provides students with exposure to fantastic Tennis Victoria development programs, expert staff and state-of-the-art facilities.

“The program has opened up pathways that students never knew existed and provided them with the key skills for a successful transition into the workforce or higher education,” said Judy Taylor, whose son Jack is participating in the program in 2010.

“SEDA has engaged students in their studies by bringing them closer to the sporting industry itself. This approach has motivated students to want to learn.”

Students complete an integrated curriculum involving units of VCE, VCAL, Certificates III and IV in Sport and Recreation and a Diploma in Sport and Recreation over two or three years. In addition, they receive qualifications in first aid, sports training, coaching, and umpiring. The full time course combines classroom based activities with an applied learning component where students apply skills in a real-life setting.

Graduating students can then move on to degree courses at university, or follow pathways into the workforce.

The program includes studies in the following areas:

• Sports Administration/Management• Event/Project Management• Coaching• Fitness• Marketing• Sports Nutrition• Sports Psychology• Exercise Science

Planning and enrolments are underway for 2011. Selection into the program is by interview and is not based on tennis ability.

Students interested in joining should contact SEDA on (03) 9819 9669 or visit www.sedagroup.com.au.

tennis.com.au/vic

13CLUBS

Following the successful completion of the 2006-10 Strategic Plan, Tennis Victoria recently embarked on a

process to develop a 2010-15 Strategic Plan.

Stakeholders from Tennis Victoria’s Board and Council, Tennis Australia, affiliates and government were all consulted to determine the validity of the current goals and the future direction for the organisation.

As a result, Tennis Victoria is proud to announce the six goals that will form the 2010-15 Strategic Plan and which reflect the input of stakeholders and the current tennis environment:

1. To provide and promote innovative opportunities for increased involvement in tennis as a healthy and positive experience.

2010-15 Strategic Plan2. To grow the contributions of the tennis

community to support and re-invest in the sport.

3. To promote and support inclusive, quality and sustainable tennis environments.

4. In partnership with our stakeholders, support and deliver progressive pathways for the development of champions at all levels.

5. To support and help deliver a range of competitive and relevant tennis events for all.

6. To drive a strong, active customer service culture.

Key strategies and measurable targets have also been set around these goals and will be published in the 2010-15 Strategic Plan, which will be available shortly.

2010 ANNUAL REPORTTennis Victoria would like to advise all affiliates that it will no longer be mailing out a hard copy of its Annual Report.

The Annual Report will be available for download from Tennis Victoria’s website after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 6 October.

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Report, please contact Tennis Victoria’s reception on (03) 8420 8420. Alternatively, please return the enclosed form.

Tennis really is a sport for lifeRon Carter is described by those who

know him well as a ‘truly remarkable character and a good bloke’.

At 94 years old, ‘Sir Ron’ is the head of three generations who have played tennis for the Frankston Tennis Club.

“Ron’s smile comes to life when he speaks of the exploits of his son Ashley and grandchildren Tom and Danielle playing for the club,” said Anne Baldwin, Frankston Tennis Club’s Secretary.

Ron has a proud history with the club, having begun his coaching career there in the 1950’s. Remarkably, Ron retired from coaching just six years ago at the ripe old age of 88!

“Ron was also an active club competition player until his early 80’s, where he was still regarded as being fiercely competitive with that sixth sense and tactical cunning on court,” said Baldwin.

Among his list of achievements, Ron was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2001 for his life’s work in tennis. This award was instigated by Queen Elizabeth II to recognise outstanding volunteers within the community. In honour of the event, the club commissioned a small oil portrait which is proudly on display in the upstairs clubroom

lounge, which is appropriately named after Ron.

Ron was instrumental in co-conceiving the club’s successful men’s mid-week competition - one of the first structured men’s mid-week competitions run in the state.

Ron celebrated his 90th Birthday in June 2006, where he was presented with a Tennis

Victoria Service Award. Ron was presented with Life Membership by the club in 1982 and by the Peninsula Tennis Association in 2006.

“At 94 years of age Sir Ron continues to delight all club members and visitors alike with his sense of fun and wicked wit. He is never without a word of advice,” said Baldwin.

Ron Carter(l) was presented with a Tennis Victoria Service Award in 2006.

AWARDS14


COACHES14

Meet Karl and Meg

kARL DAVIES – COACH DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Karl recently joined Tennis Australia in the role of Coach Development Coordinator for Victoria and will be based out of Tennis Victoria’s office.

Karl’s role will focus on coordinating coaching courses, providing professional development opportunities, up-skilling coaches in Victoria and providing assistance to Tennis Australia Coach Membership.

Originally from South Africa, Karl has an extensive background in many areas of tennis. He spent a number of years coaching in England and America, was an ITF Development Officer for Southern Africa (for 10 years) and was the National Coaching Director for Papua New Guinea. In addition, Karl has a Sport Science degree and played college tennis in America.

Australia recently became Karl’s home, as he wanted to work for a Grand Slam nation in coach education.

Karl believes the impression in the sporting world is that Australia wants to do things right in sport and he believes Australia is one of the best at delivering coach education.

Karl still enjoys playing tennis because he enjoys competition. Karl can be contacted with any of your coaching enquiries on (03) 8420 8420 or via [email protected].

MEG SAxON – COACH DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

Meg grew up in Wodonga and moved to Melbourne to undertake a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science/Bachelor of Commerce double degree at Deakin University and is

currently completing her third year.

Having taken a gap year after high school, she completed a Sport and Recreation Traineeship at Wodonga Senior Secondary College.

“It was an amazing experience that drove me towards the sports management area,” said Meg.

Meg’s role as Coach Development Assistant will be to help Karl Davies to provide support to coaches in Victoria and encourage further education and coach membership.

Meg played tennis growing up and still enjoys a social hit. She enjoys tennis because it is a sport anyone can play. As she is still studying, Meg feels very lucky to have been given the opportunity to take on this role. She sees it as a rewarding experience and is looking forward to assisting all the coaches out there.

Meg is also based out of Tennis Victoria’s office and can be contacted on Wednesdays and Fridays on (03) 8420 8420 or via [email protected].

TCAV update

Tennis Coaches Australia Victoria (TCAV) would like to congratulate Natalie Bacon for winning the inaugural trip to the 2010 US Open and United States Tennis Association Coaches

Conference. Natalie, a Club Professional coach, has been coaching for 17 years and is an active and passionate member of the TCAV.

The TCAV provided this wonderful prize, which was valued at $3000. The prize included airfares, accommodation at the Grand Hyatt in New York (for six nights), conference fees and official accreditation for the first week of the US Open. Natalie was drawn at random from the TCAV’s 2009/2010 financial membership list.

The TCAV will be drawing another winner for 2011 from the TCAV’s 2010/2011 financial membership list in the coming months. We encourage all coaches to renew/join the TCAV and be in the next draw for this amazing trip. For more information about the TCAV, visit www.tcav.com.au.

Natalie Bacon (l) is congratulated by TCAV President, Julie Fidler.

tennis.com.au/vic

15 ADMINISTRATOR

MONTHLY PRIZE WINNERS*Congratulations to the following Tennis Victoria members who have won a tennis pack. To read more about the winners, visit the Tennis Victoria website tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits).

July - Justin Ebbels, Mildura Lawn TC

August - Neil Beddgood, Chadstone TC

September - Jane Walters, Essendon TC

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

PLAYER OFFERS

AAMI CLASSICPreferred seating is available to Tennis Victoria Members when booking tickets to the 2011 AAMI Classic at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, 12-15 January.

More information will be made available in October at tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits).

TENNIS WORLDTennis World gives Tennis Victoria members a chance to experience Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open, with an exclusive buy one get one free offer for Tennis Workout or a Guided Tour of Rod Laver Arena. To access this offer, simply present the voucher that is enclosed with your new membership card for 2010/11.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINETennis Victoria members can subscribe to this high-quality publication with a special offer of $60 for 12 issues. This is a saving of $15 off the usual 12-month subscription rate, and $30 off the total cover price.

To take out your subscription, simply complete and return the subscription form available at tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits).

NATIONAL SPORTS MUSEUMReceive one complimentary child admission with the purchase of a full adult admission ticket to the National Sports Museum, MCG Tour or a combined National Sports Museum and MCG Tour.

Download your voucher to redeem the offer from tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Membership Benefits). Conditions apply – see voucher for details.

WILSONTennis Victoria members can get 10% off the Wilson range of equipment during September, October and November 2010.

Visit tennis.com.au/vic for the list of participating retailers and the Terms and Conditions.

PRELLI RACQUETSMembers can benefit from Prelli’s 20 years of experience and take advantage of:

• a flat re-stringing rate of $20 per re-string (excludes string)

• a 10% discount on tennis racquets and accessories (excludes sale items)

Simply show your Tennis Victoria membership card in store to access theseoffers. 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.

Visit tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits) for more information and location details.

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 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.

HERALD SUN/THE WEEkLY TIMESHave the Herald Sun home delivered from Mon-Sun for just $6.95 per week, a saving of 29%*.

Additionally, you can have The Weekly Times home delivered every Wednesday for a very special rate of $26 for 26 weeks*. That’s a great saving of $20.28 (or 44%) off the normal home delivery price!

*Conditions apply. Visit tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Benefits) for more information.

HOT OFF THE COURTTennis Victoria’s exclusive player e-newsletter, Hot off the Court, is packed with up-to-date tennis information and special offers.

If you are not receiving Hot off the Court and would like to, please forward your email address and My Tennis ID to [email protected] or call (03) 8420 8420.

MEMBER COMPETITION

Tennis Victoria’s Australian Open 2011 (AO11) Hospitality Competition offers members the chance to win one of eight hospitality experiences in a Tennis Australia Executive Suite to AO11.

Visit tennis.com.au/vic (Membership/Member Promotions) for Terms and Conditions and the entry form.

CLUB OFFERS

WILSON SPORTING GOODSWilson offers Tennis Victoria affiliates the opportunity to purchase Wilson Australian Open tennis balls (both hardcourt and grasscourt) and modified balls at discounted prices.

Please visit tennis.com.au/vic (Clubs/Affiliation) to download a copy of the order form. Alternatively, contact Tennis Victoria reception via [email protected] or (03) 8420 8420 to have a copy sent to you.

Your chance to WIN!Tennis Victoria gives members~ the chance

to win a hospitality experience at Australian Open 2011.

Encourage your family and friends to

join an affiliated* tennis club or Tennis Victoria directly for your chance to win.

Competition commences on 5 July 2010 and closes on 10 December 2010.

Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/10/05740.

Individual/Primary family memberTitle _______Surname _____________First name _______________Sex M / FDate of birth ______ / ______ / _____Postal address ____________________________________________________Suburb _________________________State ____________Postcode _______Phone __________________________Email ___________________________

Family member 2 Title _______Surname _____________First name _______________Sex M / FDate of birth ______ / ______ / _____Phone __________________________Email ___________________________

Family member 3Title _______Surname _____________First name _______________Sex M / FDate of birth ______ / ______ / _____Phone __________________________Email ___________________________

Family member 4Title _______Surname _____________First name _______________Sex M / FDate of birth ______ / ______ / _____Phone __________________________Email ___________________________

2010/11 Membership Application FormForward to: Locked Bag 6001, Richmond VIC 3121 or Fax to: (03) 8420 8499

Tennis Victoria Membership Payment. Tax Invoice – ABN 29 757 304 158

@ $24 per person (incl. GST) x Total: $

@ $72 per family# (incl. GST) x Total: $ # There is no restriction on the number of or make up of players within a family. One address is to be nominated for all correspondence for members of the family and only one card will be issued per family itemising all individual My Tennis ID numbers.

Payment Options: Cheque/Money Order (made payable to Tennis Victoria)

Credit Card (Visa/Mastercard only)

Expiry date / CCV

Name on card

Amount $ Date

Signature

Privacy Policy: Tennis Victoria requires the information requested on this form to provide you with membership benefits, to receive timely and relevant information and communications related to tennis and for related purposes which can be reasonably expected. In addition, we may use your personal information to advise you of promotions, events, special offers and other like activities offered by Tennis Victoria or its stakeholders. You are able to access your personal information through Tennis Victoria upon reasonable notice. Except where permitted or required by law, or where your consent is obtained, this information will not be disclosed to third parties.

Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive such communications from Tennis Victoria.

1. Join online at tennis.com.au/mytennis:

> Click the ‘Players Membership Join or Renewal’ button

> Click the ‘New Member Registration’ button

> Then select: a) Tennis Victoria, b) Direct Affiliation with Tennis Victoria and c) relevant 2010/11 membership category i.e Metro or Country

2. Complete and return this form:

Member benefits

Premier LeagueVictoria

Check out Round 1 on 3 October!

Also, don’t miss the double header weekend (23-24 October) and finals are set for 14 November at Glen Iris Valley.

For the full draw and location details, visit tennis.com.au/vic or call 8420 8420.

Attention tennis enthusiasts!

See some of Victoria’s best in action this October

Photographer: David Jansz

Tennis Victoria’s Premier League, an action packed five-week plus finals competition, gives you a great opportunity to witness some of Victoria’s best men and women fight it out for the inaugural titles.

Grace Park’s Kaden Hensel (AR 16) and Geelong Lawn’s Alenka Hubacek (AR 23) will be ones to watch, but don’t underestimate young guns Sandy Vo (AR 59) and Molly Polak (AR 70).

Tennis Victoria October 2010 VTN

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Transcript of Tennis Victoria October 2010 VTN