6 April 2023 | Tennis Victoria

Over the last couple of months Deb has coordinated two key projects for the Maidstone Tennis Club, both of which have made a huge impact for the club.

During December and January, Deb, supported by other committee members, were part of a collaboration with KIA and Rafa Nadal Foundation, where their club was use to host a Clubhouse Day for the kids part of the foundation during the AO. There was a very short runway to do this, and involved coordinating logistics to get two of the courts repainted prior to the day.

All while Deb was also busy organising the clubs inaugural In-house Ladies Doubles Competition for Term 1. The tournament has 22 players, many who are mums at the club used to being on the sidelines watching their kids, and never taking the opportunity to get on-court themselves. The off-court element of drinks & nibbles post matches is equally as important, encouraging the women to socialise and continue building a safe, welcoming culture at the club. Deb is always keen to try her hand at implementing the systems available to the club as part their affiliation, and has utilised League Manager to manage the tournament.

Having not received any funding in 15 years, the courts were renewed in the Australian Open colour schemes, with designs that showcase the glorious moments of Rafael Nadal’s Australian Open victories back in 2009 and 2022. Following the completion of the work, the children in the Rafael Nadal Foundation had a tennis lesson led by official Tennis Australia coaches and Australian influencer Samuel Begg at the Maidstone Tennis Club. 

A pair of bespoke art pieces were designed and created by Australian artists JESWRI and Heesco, depicting two of Rafael Nadal’s most iconic rallies from the 2009 and 2022 finals. Displayed at Maidstone Footscray Tennis Club as part of the ‘Rally Gallery’, the RNF children helped to complete the pieces, leaving their mark on the city and helping to inspire the next generation of players. These artworks will be permanately displayed at Maidstone Tennis Club, for all to enjoy.

Congratulations Deborah on all your hard work that you do at the club!