Far from discouraged by stagnating memberships, Dover Square Tennis Club instead recognised a critical turning point. A passionate new coach created a focus on junior success and after expending into another facility, the growth of the Adelaide Club continues.
It’s mid-week in South Brighton, Adelaide, and the Dover Square Tennis Club is a hive of activity. While some juniors are preparing for various team events on court, others are training hard in the gym that club coach Justin Tredwell and other volunteers have worked tirelessly to create for the club.
There’s every age and a range of standards but watching the commitment of both the players and those who support them, it’s no surprise to learn that Dover Square has grown to become the largest in the Glenelg and District Tennis Association and with its seven junior premierships last summer, one of the most successful clubs in the South Australian capital. It’s hard to believe that as recently as a few years ago this thriving club was facing a crisis of sorts, with memberships stagnating and the future unclear. As Adam Gray, Dover Square’s President, recalls, critical decision-making was required, with a particular focus on the lack of integration between the club and its coaching services.
“A review of the coaching standard and our ambitions for the club led the committee to make a significant decision to advertise for a new coach,” Gray explains.
“Our aim was to incorporate the coaching program into the ambitions of the club and to focus on junior player development. Engaging the right club coach that could work with the club to deliver these ambitions was an essential step forward.”
Enter Justin Tredwell, who’d spent several years coaching interstate and on returning to Adelaide, several tough months labouring for his brother as a builder while waiting for the right opportunity to establish his coaching business. That came in 2006 when Dover Square Tennis Club advertised a position through Tennis South Australia – but even after going for an interview, Tredwell was understandably apprehensive.
Read the full article on page 62-63 of the April 2012 edition of Australian Tennis Magazine.
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