WTC Update 2010

The recent warm weather has undoubtedly redirected our thoughts from the NHL playoffs to the upcoming tennis season. Many members have already made the yearly transition to outdoor hard courts, which opened April 1st. 2009 was indeed a monumental year. It will be difficult to surpass Stacey Allaster’s insights and memories at the AGM. However, it is already apparent that 2010 will bring many new opportunities for our club. The following is a brief overview of what the Board has planned for the upcoming season.

Membership

2010 will mark the third consecutive year of no fee increase at all membership levels. Single adult membership will remain at $140 with a family at $250. Details on membership types and rates are available on our website and in the 2010 brochure that was mailed to the home of every 2009 member.

Leagues

Leagues will again be offered for every level of play and interest. Men’s A is scheduled for Monday nights, with Mens B on Tuesdays and beginner-level on Thursdays. Courts will also be dedicated on Thursday evening for Women’s play. Based on feedback and attendance from last year, it appears that most participating members prefer to have this organized on a week-by-week basis rather than a long-term commitment.

New this year will be the Singles Zone from 5:30-7:00 PM on Thursday nights. Anyone interested in participating may simply sign up in advance and matches will be organized accordingly.

Mixed socials will continue on Wednesday nights combined with the mixed Flex League on scheduled on six Saturday nights throughout the summer.

Programming

Dave Boland will be overseeing both junior and adult programming once again. We will be augmenting the standard adult individual lesson format with group stroke enhancement workshops, strategy clinics and cardio tennis sessions. More information will be available at the club once dates are confirmed.

Tournaments

Most would agree that during the past three years, there has never been a shortage of tournaments at the club. In fact, by mid-season we face the challenge of players being tournamented-out. To address this, we have slightly trimmed the number of tournaments and attempted to develop a more player-friendly schedule wherever possible.

Highlighted events include the Rose City Classic, Mixed Junior-Senior and the Rose City Open.

The Open tournament has been rescheduled to July, as its previous August date conflicted with other provincial-level tournaments and the Rogers Cup.

In addition, Tennis Canada has recently approached the Club about hosting a Women’s ITF Challenger Event. This event would draw top female players ranked between 100-300 in the world competing for a $25,000 purse. These are essentially players who are earning points and vying for a position in the WTA.

The tour stops at six locations in Canada and representatives from Tennis Canada feel that our location and facilities are ideal. This would be an annual event and return to Welland each year.

Undoubtedly, hosting an event of this magnitude would be of considerable benefit to the club and the community. Rogers Communications broadcasts the event for both television distribution and webcasting. This is an international event that would attract players, spectators, industry representatives and the sports media to the Welland area. We have been working with the Niagara Sports Commission and the City of Welland to ensure our partner groups are represented.

Organizing an event of this nature is a monumental task. Unfortunately, the Board received relatively short notice on the opportunity and has been working diligently to secure the required sponsorships. Should the targets not be attainable in such a short timeframe, Tennis Canada has committed to allowing us to host the 2011 event.

Facility Questions

The focus of expansion during the past two years has been two new hard courts proposed to be situated to the west of court #8. We have met with the City of Welland in early 2010 and will be submitting a letter to Council requesting a commitment for land use. If approved, we need to approach Trillium for funding.

In preparation for the Challenger, we have identified a number of deficiencies in the facility that should be identified in the Club’s priorities. First, lighting levels are approximately 200-250 lux, where the competitive standard is 500 lux. The current lighting may last several more years, but will ultimately need to be replaced. An estimated cost has been provided at $50-60,000. Second, the clay court irrigation and drainage have been a topic of concern for many years. In surveying several clay court specialists, much of the problem is the lack of appropriate grading and a reliable drainage system. Many clubs have invested in solutions and are able to achieve playable courts within 3-4 hours of a major rainfall. An effective solution to address this is estimated at $50,000.

Mapping the Future

The funding cap on Trillium is $150,000 in a five-year period. The hard court expansion would cost approximately $120,000 and provide a further complexity to the existing lighting problem. Similarly, the need for the additional hard courts is effectively driven by the problems with the clay courts.

With the support of Tennis Canada and the Challenger opportunity, funding options have increased and club priorities may have shifted. Important decisions lie ahead for the Club and I intend on calling a General Meeting to discuss it.

Strategic Plan 2010-2012

At the 2009 AGM, I identified the need to set our Strategic Plan for 2010-2012. The Board has approved the goals and objectives and I am pleased to forward it for your input. Again, this document is a roadmap for the Club upon which we will set and measure our future direction. Every member’s input is extremely important and I encourage you to forward me any thoughts or suggestions.

Goal #1: Maximize Club and Facility Growth Potential

Goal #2: Create Greater Opportunities for Participation

Goal #3: Establish Long-Term Sustainment Strategy

Goal #4: Increase Member Input in Club Operations

A Final Note

As a club, we are fortunate to have experienced a period of solid growth during the past three years. Membership, business revenues and participation levels have all increased and the Board is committed to sustaining this positive direction. Structures have been implemented to measure our progress and to ensure accountability.

One aspect that binds this club that cannot be measured is the dedication, commitment and character of our members. This is the energy and vibe that fills the patio night after night. It is the consistent efforts made by our volunteers that are essential to maintaining the club and ensuring the successful delivery of every event. It is the assurance that someone will always make themselves available to play one more set.

While it is a difficult task to describe this element, the most accurate account I have found was authored by Jason Repovs. If you haven’t already, please take a moment and read his excellent work at www.squidoo.com/wellandtennis

It is my pleasure on behalf of the Board to welcome you to the 2010 season and invite you to our Open House on May 12th. We have scheduled a evening of social tennis, feature matches and special guests.

As always, I look forward to seeing you on the courts.

Geoff Skaftfeld
President
Welland Tennis Club