CLUBS OF THE MONTH
Morphett Vale Tennis Club have a few reasons to celebrate in 2022.
The Club will officially commemorate it’s 90th anniversary in 2021 (postponed last year due to COVID restrictions) with a special anniversary event later this year.
Earlier this year, the Club secured $2,500 in grant funding through the Fairmont Homes/Grassroots initiative. It is anticipated the funds will be used to expand the club’s coaching capacity and qualifications, led by Jean van Rensburg.
Club President Jana Rilett is pleased with how the club is progressing in terms of proposed upgrades to its facility. These updates include the club house roof & power upgrade, solar panels, court resurfacing and lighting, which will see them into the future.
“Since the introduction of social tennis, Hot Shots, Cardio Tennis and our excellent coaching by the Tennis South Academy, we have nearly tripled our membership over the past three years,” Jana said.
“More and more people are coming [to our club] via word of mouth. Social tennis continues to grow in popularity as [it’s] a great ‘social distancing’ and friendly sport” Jana added.
Rest assured, it’s exciting times ahead for the club as they continue to move forward in leaps and bounds and stamp themselves as one of the premier tennis clubs in Adelaide’s south.
Congratulations Morphett Vale Tennis Club!
Strathalbyn Tennis Club is located in the Adelaide Hills approximately an hour outside of the CBD. The club has 9 courts with 4 under lights allowing for competition, coaching and social play all year round. The club is welcoming of players of all abilities, and are dedicated to providing all participants with an avenue to participate and improve.
The club was recently host of the Queen’s Birthday June long weekend junior and open tournament. The tournament received over 150 entries which was a great success for the club and based on the positive feedback received they are excited to host more events like this in the future.
Strathalbyn Tennis Club have continued to grow their membership, entering numerous teams at both senior and junior levels competing in the Hills Tennis Association.
The club also recently received a grant for a defibrillator, continuing to make them a friendly and accessible place for all to play tennis.
Congratulations Strathalbyn Tennis Club!
VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH
Martin Stone has been the President of the Strathalbyn Tennis Club for the past 5 years. He is currently the club’s captain in the Hills Tennis Association assisting with the recruitment of junior and senior players. He also plays in the Men’s Traditional competition in the Hills Tennis Association.
As the President, Martin is the face of the club attending association meetings and conferences regarding grants to help improve the club. Martin is constantly looking to improve the club facilities and equipment whether that be through fundraising or the seeking of club sponsorship. He is also responsible for coordinating club meetings and working bees looking to make the club as successful as possible.
Martin’s favourite aspect of volunteering is the opportunity to assist in the development of the club’s players helping them reach their potential as well as build strong relationships with his fellow club members.
For those looking to volunteer with their local club, Martin highly recommends getting involved as it is a great opportunity to be part of a family friendly environment, continuing to enjoy tennis and meet new people.
Congratulations Martin!
If there was such thing as the ‘quintessential volunteer’, Glenelg Districts Tennis Association Treasurer Malcolm House could very well take the cake in giving selflessly to the sport over many years.
He accredits his involvement for so long with a passion for meeting people and making a difference, with 2022 marking 20 years since he was first involved at District level.
As a self-proclaimed “people’s person”, this trait still rings true to his volunteer efforts, where he’s held in high esteem for his broad tennis networks across the Glenelg Districts.
“The volunteering aspect is something I really enjoy. It gives you a sense of achievement, particularly in retirement, which certainly beats just sitting around at home,” Martin says with a laugh.
“I’ll pretty much keep doing this until the day I die. It’s a huge part of my life and I’d pretty much be lost without it” Martin adds.
Beyond his GDTA duties, Malcolm volunteers at Peake Gardens-Riverside Tennis Club where his son Will is a member. You may even be fortunate to catch Malcolm in the canteen on match days or during junior tournaments.
Congratulations Malcom!