The Doubtless Bay Tennis Club enjoyed a strong turnout of all ages and abilities at the season opening day held in scorching early summer conditions on Sunday.
Club president Gary Jones was one of several who got out there in the scorching conditions to enjoy having their 'first' hit of the new season, and felt the numbers indicated a really good season lay in store.
"This is what it's all about, this is fantastic," he said, gesturing at the scene playing out before him, with senior players enjoying games of doubles on two of the three courts while the juniors lined up for tips and lessons from professional coach Carl Terrizzi, who came up from Kerikeri. Jones said the club was established by local enthusiasts keen to promote the summer sport to the wider community.
"I think this is a real lift from last year. We are a good little family-orientated club, and we are looking to grow our membership. The more the merrier. And, especially, get more families in."
The club also planned to place greater emphasis on developing and promoting its juniors, whom Jones described as "the future presidents". This will be achieved by introducing an after-school programme to be held once a week on Thursday afternoons which will be taken by the club's resident professional coach, Rod Harris.
