13 March 2020 | Tennis ACT

Belconnen Tennis Club has reached a major milestone in 2020, with the club celebrating it’s 50 year anniversary.

Belconnen Tennis Club was established in 1970 as a four-court complex. It was a historical year for tennis in the ACT with the ACT Tennis Association moving its headquarters from Manuka to Lyneham, as well as the establishment of Tennis Seniors.

In its early years (1974) there were 500 members and only four courts, with 140 people on the waiting list.  In 1977 the club added an additional two courts, before expanding to its current size of eight courts in 1982.

In 1981, the club affiliated with Western District Rugby Union Club, who managed court bookings and the club became known as Belconnen West Tennis Club.

Throughout the years, the club has continued to apply for and be successful in grant applications, to upgrade and improve the facility.

A number of the ACT most successful players have come through the club including Alun Jones, Alison Bai and Jake Eames.

Chair of the 50^th anniversary organising committee Anne Haycock, said the club has always had a strong community connection.

“We’ve always been a very social club having many dinner dance evenings with reviews, presentation nights, and Christmas barbeques.

“The club continues to hold its Club Championships and participate in pennant [now Canberra Tennis League] and has always had a strong junior base with the support of a club coach.  All ages and standards are encouraged to play at the club, with with organised social and other group tennis held several days of the week.”

“The Club is financially sound and has been managed by a multitude of wonderful enthusiastic volunteers who we are eternally grateful to,” Haycock added.

The celebration plans which had originally been set down for May, have been postponed due to COVID-19, but the club will be looking to reschedule the events for later in the year.  Plans include a three-course dinner at the Premier Hotel & Apartments, along with a kids social night, women’s round robin, and social Fast4 Tournament.