Blacktown’s tennis partnership thrives in Western Sydney

February 8, 2023

While the tennis world focussed on Australia for the early weeks of 2023, Blacktown City Council’s Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope and Blacktown Tennis Incorporated (BTI) have continued to build on the popularity of tennis in the local community and produce tennis talent for the future.

Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale advised “it is wonderful to see our tennis centre working collaboratively with BTI over such a long period, providing our residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds with the opportunity to play tennis and become the best they can be.”

BTI (formerly Blacktown & District Tennis association) was formed in 1924 and has a long history of promoting tennis to the local community. Since the Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope opened its 16 Plexicushion courts in 2016, Council and BTI have worked together with Tennis NSW to create programs and competitions for all ages and abilities.

Over the years, BTI and its coaches have been responsible for a number of highly ranked junior and adult players and Elton Stoney, Tennis Team Leader at Stanhope is continuing a fine tradition of focusing on junior development.

BTI coach, Geoff Brackin’s focus on youth led to unprecedented success at both state and national level and also produced multiple national age and junior ranked players, such as Donna McIntyre, Chris Reardon and Truscott Lee.

Former BTI member, Garry Thoroughgood, reached number 2 on the International Tennis Federation singles rankings in 2011 and played as a representative for Australia in the World Team Championships in Austria in 2012.

Since 2016, Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope has been ‘home’ to BTI’s competitions and the partnership with the Centre sees BTI members benefiting from discounted access to the courts and other centre services throughout the year.

BTI Honorary Secretary, Yvonne Tucker added “we want to encourage everyone in the Blacktown local government area to play tennis.

“Our partnership with Council in providing tennis playing and coaching opportunities will, I hope and believe, see some of our young people go on to star at the Australian Open in years to come.”

Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope is open seven days a week for casual use, training and competition.

Images: Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope (top) and Elton Stoney, Team Leader at Blacktown Tennis Centre with Yvonne Tucker, Honorary Secretary of Blacktown Tennis Incorporated (below).

19th January 2023 - Blacktown City Council’s Swim Sense programs looks to tackle adult drowning toll

4th January 2023 - Australian Open welcomes back Kids Tennis Day returns

17th December 2022 - Tennis Australia announces return to profit

16th November 2022 - Bayside City Council to deliver lighting and surface upgrade for Hurlingham Park Tennis Club

9th November 2022 - Work underway on Hakoah Club’s project to revitalise Sydney’s White City Tennis Centre

11th October 2022 - Blacktown City Council issues expressions of interest for multiple opportunities at the BEST Stage 2 development

6th October 2022 - Construction works underway on new pavilion at Wonthaggi Tennis Club

30th September 2022 - Australian Tennis Foundation launches Brighter Days Initiative for children facing adversity

27th September 2022 - Ryde Tennis World to benefit from $2 million in funding from NSW Office of Sport

22nd September 2022 - Tennis Australia proposes to upgrade and manage Dendy Park Tennis Centre

31st March 2022 - Funding available for Tennis clubs to support delivery of accessible sport

30th January 2022 - Tennis Australia offers 10,000 hours of free court hire to celebrate Australian Open success

1st January 2022 - Australia’s 2022 summer of tennis starts in Bendigo and Traralgon

23rd December 2021 - Sydney Sports Management Group secures contract to run Bayside Council tennis centre

20th December 2021 - Newcastle’s premier netball facility to be revitalised with Plexipave surfacing

3rd November 2021 - Plans revealed for development of tennis on the NSW Central Coast

1st April 2021 - John Fisher Park netball courts resurfaced with Plexipave

24th December 2019 - Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope launches blind and low vision tennis coaching program

3rd November 2017 - Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope stages free open day

8th September 2016 - Wimbledon Champion opens new Blacktown Tennis Centre

8th October 2015 - Blacktown Tennis Centre to serve up state-of-the-art tennis facilities

22nd October 2014 - Plexipave distribution agreement serves up opportunities for California Sports Surfaces

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.