New century for club
A SOUTHSIDE tennis club is hoping to find the next Ash Barty or Nick Kyrgios in its ranks as it gears up for its 101st year of operation.
The Edmonton Tennis Club celebrated its centenary in 2019 with an afternoon tea reunion last month.
Club president Guy Thomas said about 40 people attended the event.
“It went pretty well … a few people spoke about the club back in the day in the 1970s,” Mr Thomas said.
“We learned a lot more about the history of the club.”
One historical story that was mentioned was a match with the Babinda Tennis Club during its foundation year.
“Babinda beat us 163 sets to 73 sets – they played all day long,” Mr Thomas said.
“We’re willing to have a rematch with them any day.”
As the club enters its second century, Mr Thomas emphasised its mission to make the sport of tennis accessible to everyone.
“We try and make it cheap,” he said.
“The trouble is sports training and coaching is becoming too expensive.
“If we can make it as cheap as possible, we’ve got a bigger chance of attracting new talent.”
In addition, at this weekend’s open day, Mr Thomas is looking for new blood that is willing to put in the hard work.
“Our top-level players train 20 hours a week for 10 years,” Mr Thomas said.
“If you want to get to Australian Open level, that’s what you’ve got to do.”
Open sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday at Edmonton from 9-11am and at Gordonvale from 4-5.30pm.
“We’re expecting maybe 40 kids to attend,” Mr Thomas said.
For more information, call 0417 648 597.