11 September 2024 | Tennis NSW

The Smith family have once again made history in the Sydney Badge league by being crowned the 2024 Division 1 Sydney Badge champions with four family members.

Last Saturday, the Hills District team, comprising Neil Smith, his three sons Blake, Cameron and Jordan, as well as Daniel Curran, and Heath Campling, defeated Tennis Camden four-sets-to-three in the final held at Caterson Tennis Centre in Castle Hill.

Making their family debut in 2011, the team has now secured an impressive 11 Sydney Badge titles. Remarkably, father and coach, Neil Smith, began his Sydney Badge journey as an 18-year-old in 1978. Over the years, Neil has achieved a total of 21 titles, consisting of 11 at Castle Hill, 8 at Strathfield, and 2 at Cheltenham.

Neil has set a new benchmark by competing and winning in the top division alongside his three sons on several occasions. His commitment to the sport and his role as both a player and a coach are unparalleled. Neil has coached all three of his sons from their junior years, guiding Blake (33), Cameron (31), and Jordan (28) to become top-tier players. Each son has achieved top 50 rankings in Australia, with Jordan even participating in professional tours until recently.

“Winning the first title together was incredibly special; it even brought a tear to my eye. Sharing that moment with one of my best mates, Robert Kilborn, and my sons made it unforgettable. Seeing the entire team come together made me so incredibly proud. I once carried and guided them, and now they carry me. To play in front of family, friends, and members at our home club is such a great feeling—the atmosphere was truly amazing.” Neil Smith said.

Neil’s longevity and success in the league are unmatched, making him potentially the oldest and most successful competitor in the history of Sydney Badge.

A massive congratulations to the Hills District team and the Smith family for their recent success and contributions to the Sydney Badge league and tennis over the years.