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Following a competitive application process over several months earlier this year, the Board of the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club (GLTC) has contracted YMCA Victoria to manage the club and facilities.

Formed in 1882, the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club is one of the oldest club’s in Australia and the oldest club in a regional centre.

With the fourth highest number of registered players in Victoria, the Club boasts outstanding facilities including 13 lawn courts, six floodlit Plexicushion courts, eight floodlit En Tout Cas (clay) courts (27 courts in total), four Hot Shots courts, three squash/racquetball courts, a first class fitness centre, a fully licensed bar and two function rooms.

Club President Bob Spurling was among the key architects of the new management partnership and in confirming the appointment, predicted the new arrangement would see the club grow.

Spurling explained “the YMCA has extensive experience, especially in facility and club management over many years.

“The board believes their excellent resources, well trained staff and experience, will help revitalise our club and inject youthful enthusiasm and vitality for our 700 plus members.”

Spurling said both the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club and YMCA were aligned as not-for-profit community orientated organisations and, with over 300 years combined history between them, were well known in the Geelong region, throughout Victoria and also nationally.

The club’s position as a regional tennis centre in the G21 region highlights its strategic significance and Tennis Victoria Facilities Operation Manager Ken Barton supported the club’s decision to pursue a sustainable management option to ensure growth and future success.

Barton advised “over the past 18 months, Tennis Victoria has met with YMCA on several occasions to discuss management opportunities at tennis facilities. Particularly in the past 12 months we have been conscious of the progress that has been made by the Y in understanding the needs of our sport.”

Barton spent six years as Manager of the Geelong Lawn Tennis Centre prior to his appointment to Tennis Victoria.

He endorsed the direction taken by the club to grow its reach, particularly in the under-represented youth and family markets, adding “from my understanding of the needs detailed in the expression of interest for management, YMCA is well placed to take on this role and open the club up to new members from across the local and regional community.”

YMCA has over 6000 staff delivering programs and services at more than 150 locations in settings including community recreation and sporting facilities, swimming pools, childcare and early learning, schools and kindergartens, camps, student accommodation, youth services and youth justice facilities.

Taking on the management of the Club as of 17th October, operations are now overseen by YMCA Manager Rob Daley who comes from a successful tennis playing, coaching and management background and brings significant experience to the role.

As YMCA Centre Manager at the Pakenham Regional Tennis Centre over the past three years, Daley introduced a number of innovative management options which resulted in the centre’s highest membership numbers on record. He said the key challenge of his new role would be to grow the profile of both tennis and the club.

Commenting on his new role, Barton explained “wWe’re excited about becoming part of the Geelong tennis community and look forward to working together with staff, volunteers and members who have contributed to make the club such an iconic venue.

“We’ll be working hard to further develop what we believe is one of the top tennis venues in Victoria, with the goal of providing members and the community with first-class facilities and programs in a friendly, relaxed club setting.”

Daley outlined a number of initiatives to be undertaken in 2016 aimed at enhancing the facilities and benefits to members, while also raising the profile of Geelong Lawn Tennis Club across the local and regional community. These include:

• Additional facilities, including a Pro-shop and café
• Expanded junior and adult tennis coaching programs and competitions
• Performance tennis training programs for talented and aspiring young players
• Improved health and fitness facilities with additional programming
• New function and conference packages for members and guests wishing to hire the facilities

Daley concluded “the primary focus at the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club will be to utilise the YMCA’s organisational experience to ensure programming is maximised and the facilities are utilised to their full potential. This will ensure positive membership and income growth and raise the club’s profile across the tennis community.”

For more information on the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club and its facilities visit www.geelonglawntc.com.au

25th July 2016 - ARV AND YMCA VICTORIA TEAM UP TO PILOT NEW BEAST PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM

23rd March 2016 - RICHMOND TIGERS DIVERSIFY WITH CONTRACT TO MANAGE CARDINIA SHIRE AQUATIC AND RECREATION FACILITIES

24th November 2015 - PRINCES HILL TENNIS CLUB SERVES UP NEW TENNIS ACCESS TECHNOLOGY

30th January 2015 - NEW TENNIS APP TO BOOST SPORT PARTICIPATION AMONG CHILDREN

12th January 2015 - FIRST TENNIS CARES PROJECT TO BOOST LOCAL COMMUNITIES

8th May 2014 - ANZ SERVES UP TENNIS HOT SHOTS

31st January 2012 - GEELONG PREPARES FOR FIRST EVER DAVIS CUP TIE

17th October 2011 - YMCA VICTORIA TAKES OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF MORELAND COUNCIL’S LEISURE FACILITIES 

12th May 2010 - GEELONG TENNIS CLUB SEEKS FITNESS PARTNERS 

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