17 February 2021 | Tennis Queensland

It’s a
traditional method of attracting new members to a sporting club, yet even in
this world of advanced technology and social media, it seems the tried and
tested ‘Open Day’ concept still has a significant role in boosting membership
numbers.

The annual
FNQ Open Day series involved 14 clubs from Mossman to Innisfail. In the absence
of a tropical rain deluge, clubs saw more than 300 people come through the
welcoming doors, with many trying tennis for the first time.

Clubs
offered free ANZ Hot Shot sessions for the juniors whilst introducing social
tennis to parents, carers, beginners and the experienced.

Ravenshoe Tennis Club in the Tablelands has a relatively small
population to draw new members from and yet 50 children turned out for the free
Hot Shot session.

Club
Secretary and Treasurer, Karen Stinson
says the response to the club’s Open Day was extraordinary and thinks the
timing of the event helped, with no other sports actively competing for
recruits in January.

“It is
fantastic! We have been struggling for years to get players at the club and to
have so many young players come to the club definitely makes us more hopeful. I
have said to our current older members and volunteers that these players could
be us in the future,” Karen said.

“Our coach,
Brock was planning to run sessions one afternoon a week, but because of the
numbers he is running three afternoons a week after school.”

Mossman Squash and Tennis Club is also reflecting on a successful
campaign with 17 new members signing up during and immediately after the Open
Day.

Club
Secretary, Bev Gwynne Is confident their membership will continue to grow with
two new synthetic courts and new lighting, making the club an even more
attractive place to play than before.

“The new
courts are a big drawcard. I have a goal of reaching 85 members by the start of
winter and we are already up to 45 now,” Bev said.

“We are
really focusing on making the club even more family friendly so we are planning
a few parent/child social days where the kids can win some prizes and one of
sponge cakes.”

Mossman
Squash and Tennis club is finalising its 2021 calendar with the first
parent/child social day set for March 20.

The FNQ
Open Day series is an annual event organised by the Regional Assembly and
supported by Tennis Queensland.

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