Tennis returns with exciting season ahead

Pat elected President

At the club’s recent Annual General Meeting, Pat Mansfield was elected as the new President.

Pat is eager to build on the strong foundations already in place and ensure tennis remains one of the most popular and accessible sports in the Yarrawonga community.

He takes over from Daryl Bennett, who stepped down after seven years of outstanding leadership. Daryl has been a central figure in the club’s progress during this time, guiding Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club through a period of growth and achievement.

His contribution has been described by many as remarkable, and his efforts are warmly acknowledged by the committee and members alike.

With Pat at the helm and a hardworking committee supporting him, the club is confident the coming season will be both memorable and successful.

North East Veterans Circuit begins

The calendar of events is already full, with the first major occasion arriving Sunday, October 19, when Yarrawonga hosts the opening round of the North East Veterans Circuit. The day will feature a doubles event for players aged thirty and over.

Unlike traditional tournaments, players enter individually and are then paired with others of a similar standard, ensuring every competitor enjoys close and engaging matches.

Each participant is guaranteed four sets, but perhaps the greater attraction lies in the social aspect of the day.

Morning tea and lunch will be provided, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment where locals can enjoy both tennis and community spirit.

Another long-standing tradition in the region also begins this month, with the Wilby Tennis Association launching its season on Friday, October 18.

This competition brings together teams from Burramine, Mulwala, Savernake, Telford, Tungamah and Wilby, each fielding four men and four women who play four sets apiece every week.

The Association has been a breeding ground for many of the district’s finest players over the decades and continues to attract competitors of all ages and abilities.

Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to contact Association President John Wright, who has been a steady hand in maintaining this much-loved competition.

Yarrawonga re-enters Goulburn Murray Tennis Association

After a long hiatus, Yarrawonga has also re-entered the Goulburn Murray Tennis Association’s Saturday afternoon competition.

The club has registered a Division three team, and both regular and fill-in players are needed to ensure a strong showing throughout the season.

This marks a welcome return to one of the region’s premier competitions and provides another pathway for players eager to test themselves at a higher level.

While tournaments and competitions are central to the club’s calendar, the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club also prides itself on offering opportunities for players of all standards to enjoy the game.

Saturday morning tennis resumes

The Saturday morning junior program resumes on October 11 and caters for children aged between five and sixteen.

The program is structured to suit different stages of development. Younger players are introduced through the Hot Shots program, which uses smaller courts and focuses on the fun of hitting balls and learning the basics.

As children progress, coaching becomes more central, with technique and skill development, particularly around serving, becoming the priority.

The final stage is match play, where juniors put their skills into practice with three sets of tennis each Saturday morning.

For those juniors seeking to refine their game further, the club offers a squad program on Wednesday afternoons under the guidance of experienced coach Greg Duns.

Greg has been instrumental in developing young players across the district, running a series of drills designed to improve both stroke production and tactical awareness.

He also runs popular group coaching sessions on Wednesday and Friday afternoons, while private lessons are available for players wanting a more individualised focus.

Greg notes that tennis can be a difficult sport to master, but the best results come when young players combine midweek coaching with regular Saturday competition.

Opportunities plentiful for adults

Opportunities are also plentiful for adults who wish to combine fitness, competition and social connection.

Aggregate-style social tennis is available during the week, with ladies playing on Tuesday mornings from 9.30 and men gathering on Wednesday afternoons from 1pm.

These sessions are designed to be welcoming and flexible, giving newcomers the chance to trial tennis without any obligation to attend every week. Many who give it a go quickly find themselves hooked.

For those after more structured play, the midweek teams competitions run from late October through to March.

Men play on Tuesday nights and women on Thursday nights, with matches starting at 6.00pm.

Players are entered individually and placed into teams to ensure even contests. Each participant enjoys three sets of doubles, and the atmosphere is as much about the social connections off the court as it is about the tennis itself.

Membership is now open and continues to offer exceptional value.

The Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club is proud to advertise the cheapest grass court memberships in country Victoria. Junior membership costs $100, adult membership is $140, and families can enjoy unlimited tennis for $280, covering all members of the household. Memberships are comprehensive, including participation in the Saturday junior program, all ball fees, early entry to the club’s award-winning Easter Tournament, and free use of the courts throughout the year.

The Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club is more than just a sporting organisation.

It is a gathering place for the community, where young children, seasoned veterans and everyone in between can come together to enjoy the game.

The 2025/26 season looks set to be one of the most exciting in years, with opportunities for players of every age and ability.

Anyone interested in joining or finding out more about the programs on offer is encouraged to contact Jason Bassett on 0448 838 256, who can connect them with the right organiser. With so much happening both on and off the court, the club is confident that this season will be one to remember.

As the saying goes, it is time to grab your racquet, lace up your shoes and enjoy hitting.