OUR COACHES GIVING KIDS A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT THE AUS OPEN 2023
Our club coaches recently took a group of juniors to experience the atmosphere at the Australian Open. This is where dreams can begin.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2023 -
Bianca Andreescu speaks about her tennis career and her personal development journey
Bianca Andreescu will be competing in the 2023 Aus Open. She is a professional tennis player who commenced playing tennis early in life in Romania but eventually returned home to Canada, the country of her birth. She is a young woman who has experienced a wide range of emotions in her relatively short tennis career.
There were the soaring highs experienced in 2019, when the then-teenager captured the imagination of the tennis world by stunning Serena Williams to win the US Open. But then came the dispiriting lows in 2020 and 2021, when Andreescu battled injuries and struggled through two pandemic-impacted seasons before declaring that she was taking a break from tennis for mental health reasons.
Now, the 22-year-old finds herself fighting her way back up the tennis rankings. After six months away from the game, she rebuilt her ranking from outside the top 100 to her current ranking of world No.45 - although still short of her career-high No.4
Yet she competes with a refreshed perspective, benefitting from recent lessons and self-reflection on her tennis career journey.
“That's been the biggest thing for me this past year, is learning to love and accept myself as best as I can, regardless of whether I have won or lost a particular tennis match,” she told ausopen.com. “I read a lot of books on psychology, I listen to a lot of podcasts to try and better understand how the mind works. Honestly it's really helped me get to this point right now, having a sense of love for myself off the court. Because before, so much of my self-esteem was based upon my results and the outcome of my games - when I'd lose it would be like the end of the world. …..But now I feel much more in tune with myself.”
Andreescu has always possessed a notable self-awareness for somebody so young. She believes this maturity stemmed from travelling the world, often alone, since the age of 12 as she built towards a professional tennis career.
"I do a lot of inner work. I really believe that's the key to finding true happiness, joy and contentment in life."
Andreescu realises that when she is both healthy and mentally in a positive mindset, then she is better placed to realise her career vision.
"My purpose is to use tennis as a platform to help inspire others. And basically that's using my tennis results, and my tennis base to hopefully, motivate others to follow their dreams ……. I want to be known as someone who is hard-working, but who is also fun and heart-warming to other people. I want to be spiritually intact, someone who knows herself and who knows what she wants. And who's more than just a good tennis player but also a really good human being.”
We look forward to watching this inspiring young woman compete during the 2023 Australian Open - commencing Monday Jan 16 with finals Sunday Jan 29. For more info on the Open visit https://ausopen.com/
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CLUB MEMBERS RALLY BEHIND BELOVED CLUB COACH
Many of you will be aware that our beloved club coach Andrew Marshall, recently suffered a set of deeply tragic circumstances. Our club President emailed members to alert them to a GoFundMe page that had been created to provide some financial support for Andrew and his kids. Many club members made generous contributions. We hope that Andrew and his children continue to recover and we all look forward to him returning to the courts when he is ready. He is one of those “larger than life” characters that helps bring true Spirit to a sporting club and we all eagerly await his return. Our thoughts have been with you mate.
“GAME, SET & MATCH” Funding Announcement
Our club was delighted to again welcome David Hodgett, our local state Member of Parliament, to the Club and learn that if elected to government, the club would benefit from funding to support three major projects……
- construction of two additional courts
- upgrading of two red porous courts to synthetic grass
- upgrading court lighting
Club President Noel, has recently emailed members with further details of the funding announcement - recognising it is conditional upon David’s party winning government.
David along with our local Councillor, Tasa Damante and Club President Noel and Club Secretary Steve
ANNUAL CLUB GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting of the East Croydon Kilsyth Tennis Club Inc. was held in the Clubhouse on Wednesday evening , July 13th, 2022.
All offices were declared vacant and elections for offices were held. Other general business relating to the club was discussed.
The club would like to thank Richie Wright, who stepped down as Vice President, for his many contributions to the club over many years. Brian Cook was elected as Richie’s replacement and we look forward to him bringing his considerable management experience to the role.
FREE COACHING PROGRAM FOR OVER 50’s - just ended in June
Re-Connecting With Tennis - A Free coaching program for over-50’s
The Victorian Government’s “Sporting Club’s Grants Program” awarded our tennis club a grant to enable us to offer a coaching program to both the senior over-50’s members of our club, as well as the senior members of our local community who were interested in re-engaging with tennis.
The program has commenced and attracted a mixture of people who are both keenly enjoying their tennis, as well as the opportunity to mix and socialise within a group. Our club coaches are running the program and ensuring that each session is full of tennis drills, tips, activities and fun.
The club is appreciative of the grant from Sport & Recreation Victoria, which enabled this awesome program to be offered to participants FREE of charge. Here’s a recent photo of some of the group members having a drink and bite to eat after a coaching session…….. Some of the program participants have already expressed a post-program interest in joining a night tennis team at the club.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ASH BARTY - 2022 Aus Open Champion
OUR COURTS ARE OPEN
The East Croydon Kilsyth Tennis Club is open but we are still required to comply with a number of “Covid safe-play”conditions set by the government. Please scan in to the QR code when attending or playing at the courts. (Also note that a Court Usage Plan has been developed for our courts, in an attempt to ensure equitable access and time on court for all members - including coaching, and the casual walk up player or family).
CONGRATULATIONS TO COLIN MARTIN - Winner of the 2021 Neville Asquith Award for “most valuable” Vets Club-member
Popular vets club-member Colin Martin was awarded this years Neville Asquith award. Colin is known for the “handyman” repairs he has helped with around the clubhouse and also recognised for his great sportsmanship and sense of fair-play on the court. In his typically unassuming manner, Colin accepted the award from club legend himself, Neville and our tireless club Secretary, Steve Baldry.
CLUB FUND RAISING BBQ - Bunnings, Jan 9
On a separate note, club President Noel Hester announced the next club fund raising bbq to be held at Croydon Bunnings on Sunday Jan 9. Anyone who can lend a hand for an hour or two is asked to contact our club Secretary, Steve on 0419 896 607. Any assistance you can offer would be very welcome.
ASH BARTY WINS WIMBLEDON 2021
3 lessons for our juniors
1. Dare to dream big
2. Be willing to work hard to achieve your dream
3. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you
THE INAUGURAL NEVILLE ASQUITH AWARD FOR BEST “VETS” CLUBMAN
Long serving Committee member Brian Cooke was proud to be the inaugural recipient of the Club’s Neville Asquith Award. Named after one of the true servants of our tennis club, club Vice President Neville (94 years young) spoke about Brian’s many contributions. The annual Award seeks to recognise those people who so often work quietly behind the scenes to help keep the club running so smoothly.
CONGRATULATIONS to the junior club coaching scholarship winner....
The club announced the inaugural winner of the coaching scholarship, sponsored by Warren Woodcock and his family - Keishi Sasuga The scholarship provides Keishi with one term of tennis coaching, valued at $250. Three further junior scholarships sponsored by the Woodcock family will be awarded over the next 12 months. Club coaches Kelsey and Andrew described Keishi “He is a boy who always tries his best and listens to advice. This coaching scholarship will give him the opportunity to gain some valuable one-on-one intensive tuition and maybe help take his game to the next level”. Keishi’s mother expressed her gratitude to the Woodcock family.
Click on Junior Scholarship to read about our next recipient and to learn more about how the award decision is made.
SHOUT OUT TO MAROONDAH CITY COUNCIL - Major Safety Works Program Carried Out At Our Courts Thanks to our local council for organising and funding some major capital works projects and substantial safety improvements at our courts. Our local councillors offered their support for these initiatives, with the Leisure Facilities team at Maroondah Council playing a lead role.
In particular, stabilising and securing the foundations for each of our court lighting structures and replacing several of the light poles that had severely rusted. These important works have helped to ensure a safe playing environment for our club members, when tennis eventually resumes. Night tennis has proven very popular at our club, with around 16 teams usually competing on a weekly basis. So safe lighting is essential.
CLUB SERVICE AWARD TO MIKE DRUMMOND 
In recognition of more than 30 years of dedicated service to our tennis club, the club has awarded Mike Drummond it’s first Certificate of Service. It is a token of our appreciation for the tireless work that Mike has done in support of all club members. It is through the efforts of willing volunteers such as Mike, that the club can run so smoothly. Mike on receiving his award, in his typically humble and unassuming manner said that he was surprised and thankful for the award. A presentation had originally been planned for the AGM, but with the uncertainty surrounding lock-down, a small presentation occurred outside of his home. A nice couple of bottles of wine accompanied the award.
The Neville Asquith Metro Masters Award for Good Sportsmanship
In recognition of Neville’s many years of service, both as President of Kilsyth Tennis Club and as vice-President of our own East Croydon Kilsyth Tennis Club, the club is proud to introduce a new perpetual award.
This year’s winner will be decided by Neville and announced at the AGM. It is a fitting award that reflects Neville’s own personal commitment to the values of fairness and sportsmanship and the key role he played in bringing Metro Masters tennis to both clubs.
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STUCK AT HOME & BORED? .....
You might like to check out some interesting new pages we’ve recently added to the website....
Tennis Australia : COVID-19 & playing tennis
Club members are asked to be aware of social distance guidelines - so please remember to maintain physical distance between yourself and others (at least space of 1.5 metres). You might like to view the advice that had been issued by Tennis Australia regarding COVID-19 and Continuing to Play Tennis
To view some tips and precautions on how to reduce your risk of exposure to the corona-virus, click here
Social Tennis:
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Come along, join in the FUN -
- have a social hit of tennis, in small groups
- cost $5 per player
- register - simply give Kelsey a call (0408 731 065), so we can organise
- play on a casual basis.
Our coaches take Hot Shot kids to the AO 2020
Service to Tennis Award 2020
The club was delighted to have Danielle Cornwall from Tennis Victoria, come along and conduct a fabulous training session for members of the club who will be volunteer hosts in the up-coming new Thursday evening "Get Your Racquet On" program (commencing Jan 23). The club is excited by the prospect of welcoming new players that we hope will be attracted through our participation in this Tennis Australia initiative.
At the same time, Danielle took the opportunity to present Steve Baldry with his Service to Tennis Award. Steve was typically humble in his acceptance of the Award, acknowledging the close working relationship he has developed over many years, with his mate Noel Hester (our club president).
What an awesome day it was for a group of lucky East Croydon Kilsyth tennis club kids who attended the AO this week - lead by our popular club coaches Andrew and Kelsey. Not only did they get to experience centre court - they appeared on the Today TV show with Karl......... Likely to be a day remembered by all the kids for a long time!
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| Danielle presenting Steve with his Award |
The club was delighted to have Danielle Cornwall from Tennis Victoria, come along and conduct a fabulous training session for members of the club who will be volunteer hosts in the up-coming new Thursday evening "Get Your Racquet On" program (commencing Jan 23). The club is excited by the prospect of welcoming new players that we hope will be attracted through our participation in this Tennis Australia initiative.
At the same time, Danielle took the opportunity to present Steve Baldry with his Service to Tennis Award. Steve was typically humble in his acceptance of the Award, acknowledging the close working relationship he has developed over many years, with his mate Noel Hester (our club president).
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Shout-out to Brian Cooke
Brian is one of the real characters of the club's Vets tennis brigade - well known for his jovial manner.
One of Brian's many contributions to the club are the seat benches that appear on the sides of our courts 1, 2, 3 & 4
For the vets in particular, at the change of ends between play, these seat benches are well used in taking a brief few moments of "recovery".
Brian constructed all of these seat-benches himself, as well as supplying the materials - quite an accomplished handyman is our Brian!
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Tennis Victoria - "Pick Up A Racquet"
The club was delighted to host a visit by Danielle Cornwall, Club Development & Participation Officer (Eastern Region) with Tennis Victoria.
Danielle met with several members of the Club's Committee and outlined an exciting new promotional campaign sponsored by Tennis Victoria aimed at encouraging "lapsed" tennis players to re-connect with the game. However instead of playing so called "traditional" tennis, participants will be playing various versions of tennis - designed to be more fun and more social. There will be music, games and activities - accompanied with some food and drinks.
Our club agreed to participate in the campaign, recognising a wonderful opportunity to potentially attract new members to the Club, and to showcase our club's facilities to members of our local community. We want more people to experience the FUN of our game and the chance to make new friends.
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View the club’s Child Protection policy
Shout-out to Brian Cooke
One of Brian's many contributions to the club are the seat benches that appear on the sides of our courts 1, 2, 3 & 4
For the vets in particular, at the change of ends between play, these seat benches are well used in taking a brief few moments of "recovery".
Brian constructed all of these seat-benches himself, as well as supplying the materials - quite an accomplished handyman is our Brian!
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Tennis Victoria - "Pick Up A Racquet"
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Danielle met with several members of the Club's Committee and outlined an exciting new promotional campaign sponsored by Tennis Victoria aimed at encouraging "lapsed" tennis players to re-connect with the game. However instead of playing so called "traditional" tennis, participants will be playing various versions of tennis - designed to be more fun and more social. There will be music, games and activities - accompanied with some food and drinks.
Our club agreed to participate in the campaign, recognising a wonderful opportunity to potentially attract new members to the Club, and to showcase our club's facilities to members of our local community. We want more people to experience the FUN of our game and the chance to make new friends.
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And you might like to check out the club’s Facebook Page for more information about upcoming events and our facilities .......
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View the club’s Child Protection policy
