With the Australian Open kicking off recently in Melbourne, many avid tennis spectators have turned into screen-side coaches. So why not put those skills to use and sign up for the 2020 competition with the Gloucester District Tennis Association.
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According to club president, Steven Munn there a big plans this year to boost the number of players on the court.
"We're bringing back the mixed comp after an 18 month break and we're looking for players," Steve said.
Due to lack of numbers, the club had run a men's competition in lieu of the mixed, however, they really want to bring it back.
"The benefit of the mix comp is that it's good for the younger players to get involved in. It's a good stepping stone," Steve explained.
Steve has been playing tennis with the club for around 15 years after moving to town with his wife.
"My wife is a mad tennis player," he smiled.
So he also got involved and has been the president for the past 12 months. Now his goal is to build the membership, especially encouraging younger players to get involved.
"Increasing the membership make a stronger club," he said. "With the juniors, we're looking to build toward a Friday night competition."
After many years, the club has reignited the junior training sessions, with coaches Toni Laurie and Lisa Hollingsworth taking to the courts last June and has been calling for expressions of interest to bring back the Friday night event.
The club is currently taking registrations for a range of competitions, as well as social play. The mixed competition will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7pm starting on February 11. Registrations close on February 4. The women's competition is played on Thursday evenings from 7pm and starts on January 30. The men's competition will run over the winter session. There is also a social group who play on Tuesday mornings from about 7.30am until it gets too hot. Everyone is welcome if they want to come and have a hit or get back into the game.
Another fun event the club is looking to bring back is the Town and Country Challenge. The plan is for the event to take place on Tuesday, February 4 at 7pm with teams comprising of town players (those within the 60 kilometre zone) and country players (all those who live outside the zone). It's another event that hasn't run for about 18 months and the townees are going into the event as the underdogs. Steve is currently looking for players to help make up the teams.
Currently, the club has around 120 members. Adult registration costs $60 for the year with additional fees charged when on the court. Young players fall under a different fee structure and the club is able to accept the Active Kids voucher to help toward the costs. For more information about all the club competitions and events, contact Steve on 0429 499 128.