Court size and net height are the only things that have not changed in Tennis Director Scott Blackburn’s 40-year tenure at the Club. What has changed is the way the game is played, due to the wider range of player ages, balls, racquets, clothes and court surfaces.
Developments in racket and string technology mean that tennis can now be played, and played well, from ages 9 to 90. Even so, the true essence of tennis: low intensity exercise, social interaction and friendly competition, remains constant.
A new constant, says Scott, is the accelerating use of mobile phones and social media which is rapidly altering the way we interact, exercise and engage in tennis. As the public face of the Club, the Manly Tennis Centre (MTC) is using these technologies to make it easier for players to book courts, lessons and competitions.
It’s a far cry from when Scott first held a racquet at the age of ten – introduced to the sport by his father Boyd, a keen social player despite being a footie tragic.
By the age of 15 he was a member of the historic Manly Lawn Tennis Club (MLTC), going on to play 1.1 Badge for the Club on what was then a grass court oasis in the heart of Manly. However times were changing at Manly Lawn and in the late 70s, two of the grass courts were converted to the new synthetic surface. The general public could use these courts, so the hiring of courts and scheduling was handed over to a local Manly sports store.
The young Scott, together with a mate, saw an opportunity. Backed by his experience working part time providing coaching and general management duties at a local Dee Why centre with indoor tennis and squash courts, Scott put a proposal to the MLTC Committee and in February 1983, while still a playing member of the Club, he began the full-time management of the facility, continuing what was to become a 45 year relationship with the Manly Lawn Tennis Club.
By the end of 1984, the grass was gone and all courts were synthetic, opening up the court usage to members and non-members alike, irrespective of time or conditions for play. Scott continued to co-ordinate usage of the courts in conjunction with the Club and under the banner of MTC, developed coaching opportunities and competition programs open to all players.
While Scott’s playing might have slowed a little, as Tennis Director, life continues to pick up the pace. With the recent re-launch of the Manly Tennis Centre post COVID, Scott, his wife General Manager Carmela Blackburn and their support team marry their playing experience with today’s communication technologies to access and fine-tune their programs and services.
Programs which include extended coaching, play and tennis camps for juniors, midweek day and night competitions for men and women, intensive coaching sessions for adults and the holistic Tennis Whisperer program.
“Tennis is a sport for life”, says Scott. “And at MTC it’s tennis for today’s life. Electronic payment facilities, online booking, QR codes (quick response via your smart phone) to get immediate information to determine which program or support service is the one you’re after, are all services we provide to enable you to choose in what ways tennis can best fit into your life.”
Today, after some 40 years at the helm, Scott potentially holds the record as the longest continuous manager of a Club/community tennis facility in NSW, possibly in Australia. He is a well-known and gregarious identity in Manly and has helped position the Club as a critical part of Manly’s local and international attractions, including the Manly Seaside championships
“As a sport, tennis is a fantastic social tool for players at all levels. You can travel anywhere in the world and turn up at a local court for a game,” he says. ”As Tennis Director of the Manly Tennis Centre, I’ve made a lot of great friends.”
Good Luck for the future, Scott!
Pamela Lloyd, Goss Editor, interviewed Scott for this article.
MLTC Newsletter 26 March 2023
/in Club News /by RobEnd of Month Friday Mens Doubles
A chance for you to pair up with a friend and play some men’s doubles. When: Friday 31 March 6.30pm till 8.30pm. Please contact Denis.
Positions Vacant
We are looking for a bookkeeper to assist our Treasurer. This is a paid position, the person needs Xero experience and willing to learn how to use the InTennis software. Please let me know if you know of anyone.
Badge Practice Sessions
If Badge Captains would like to organise practice sessions for their teams please contact Denis. Courts will be available from Saturday 1 April. You can always book your own court on Sundays too.
4 courts 11.30 – 1pm, and 2 courts 2.30pm 4pm, 4 courts 4 – 6pm
Before Badge BBQ
Saturday 15 April.
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
2023 Badge Gradings (Final)
/in Badge, Club News /by RobSYDNEY BADGE has published the FINAL Badge Gradings for 2023.
MLTC Newsletter 16 March 2023
/in Club News /by RobIn this newsletter, Positions’ Vacant, Men’s Doubles, Badge Practice Times.
Trivia
Last Friday our social secretary Michelle put together a fun Trivia evening at the Club, it was very much appreciated. Very good questions, we all had to put our heads together to work through the quiz. Coming out on top was Denis international team!
Next event is a BBQ before Badge on Saturday 15th April.
End of Month Friday Men’s Doubles
A chance for you to pair up with a friend and play some men’s doubles. When: Friday 31 March 6.30pm till 8.30pm. Please contact Denis.
Positions Vacant
We are looking for a bookkeeper to assist our Treasurer. This is a paid position, the person needs Xero experience and willing to learn how to use the InTennis software.
We need a bar person to work every Saturday for 5 hours from 29th April. Person needs no experience, training will be given. Club will pay for their RSA if they don’t have one.
Please contact Virginia if you know of anyone to fill these positions.
Charity Day
This Sunday we donate our member’s courts from 9am till 12pm for a Charity Day. This year the charity is donating to Childhood Diabetes.
Badge Practice Sessions
If Badge Captains would like to organise practice sessions for their teams please contact Denis. Courts will be available from Saturday 1 April. You can always book your own court on Sundays too.
4 courts 11.30 – 1pm, and 2 courts 2.30pm 4pm, 4 courts 4 – 6pm
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
Tennis Seniors Tournaments 2023
/in Club News, Tennis Seniors /by RobSome changes may occur from time to time as Tennis Club personnel or Tournament Directors can change. Any problems, please contact the Secretary of Tennis Seniors NSW on 0418 402 415.
TSNSW Tournaments
Macarthur Seniors – 25 & 26 March
/in Club News, Tennis Seniors /by RobEntries close 5pm Monday 20th March
MACARTHUR SENIORS TOURNAMENT (NRT6)
ENTRIES NOW OPEN!
Tennis Macarthur looks forward to welcoming back many familiar faces and lots of new ones to its annual seniors tournament later this month.
Tournament Dates:
Saturday 25th March 2023
Sunday 26th March 2023
Contact:
Michael Jackson
0413 632 632
[email protected]
Scott Blackburn: 40 Years as The Professional Face of the Club
/in Goss, Tennis Centre /by RobCourt size and net height are the only things that have not changed in Tennis Director Scott Blackburn’s 40-year tenure at the Club. What has changed is the way the game is played, due to the wider range of player ages, balls, racquets, clothes and court surfaces.
Developments in racket and string technology mean that tennis can now be played, and played well, from ages 9 to 90. Even so, the true essence of tennis: low intensity exercise, social interaction and friendly competition, remains constant.
A new constant, says Scott, is the accelerating use of mobile phones and social media which is rapidly altering the way we interact, exercise and engage in tennis. As the public face of the Club, the Manly Tennis Centre (MTC) is using these technologies to make it easier for players to book courts, lessons and competitions.
It’s a far cry from when Scott first held a racquet at the age of ten – introduced to the sport by his father Boyd, a keen social player despite being a footie tragic.
By the age of 15 he was a member of the historic Manly Lawn Tennis Club (MLTC), going on to play 1.1 Badge for the Club on what was then a grass court oasis in the heart of Manly. However times were changing at Manly Lawn and in the late 70s, two of the grass courts were converted to the new synthetic surface. The general public could use these courts, so the hiring of courts and scheduling was handed over to a local Manly sports store.
The young Scott, together with a mate, saw an opportunity. Backed by his experience working part time providing coaching and general management duties at a local Dee Why centre with indoor tennis and squash courts, Scott put a proposal to the MLTC Committee and in February 1983, while still a playing member of the Club, he began the full-time management of the facility, continuing what was to become a 45 year relationship with the Manly Lawn Tennis Club.
By the end of 1984, the grass was gone and all courts were synthetic, opening up the court usage to members and non-members alike, irrespective of time or conditions for play. Scott continued to co-ordinate usage of the courts in conjunction with the Club and under the banner of MTC, developed coaching opportunities and competition programs open to all players.
While Scott’s playing might have slowed a little, as Tennis Director, life continues to pick up the pace. With the recent re-launch of the Manly Tennis Centre post COVID, Scott, his wife General Manager Carmela Blackburn and their support team marry their playing experience with today’s communication technologies to access and fine-tune their programs and services.
Programs which include extended coaching, play and tennis camps for juniors, midweek day and night competitions for men and women, intensive coaching sessions for adults and the holistic Tennis Whisperer program.
“Tennis is a sport for life”, says Scott. “And at MTC it’s tennis for today’s life. Electronic payment facilities, online booking, QR codes (quick response via your smart phone) to get immediate information to determine which program or support service is the one you’re after, are all services we provide to enable you to choose in what ways tennis can best fit into your life.”
Today, after some 40 years at the helm, Scott potentially holds the record as the longest continuous manager of a Club/community tennis facility in NSW, possibly in Australia. He is a well-known and gregarious identity in Manly and has helped position the Club as a critical part of Manly’s local and international attractions, including the Manly Seaside championships
“As a sport, tennis is a fantastic social tool for players at all levels. You can travel anywhere in the world and turn up at a local court for a game,” he says. ”As Tennis Director of the Manly Tennis Centre, I’ve made a lot of great friends.”
Good Luck for the future, Scott!
Pamela Lloyd, Goss Editor, interviewed Scott for this article.
MLTC Newsletter 27 Feb 2023
/in Club News /by RobThe Combined Age Championships were completed over the weekend and the high standards continued as per last Saturday, Sunday..
Gordon and Quinton won The Mens 60+ Doubles Round Robin by one game where the result went down to the last game.(and line calls)
Krista/Sarah won the Womens 40+ Doubles quite convincingly from 4 other pairs. This completed the double for Krista who won The Combined 100 Womens Doubles last weekend.
The Mens 40+Doubles was played in 2 pools where a single game or two decided both pool winners.
In the final Geoff Dunstan/Stephane Fontes defeated Jon Corney/Gavin McVean 6-4. Gavin stepped in for Milton who was officiating at the NSW Nippers Surf Carnival. Milton’s daughter was a winning member of the NSW Girls Beach Relay Team so congratulations to her.
On Sunday 9 pairs contested The Combined 100 Mixed Doubles which was divided into two pools.
Krista/Howard played Michelle and Steve Nettleton in the final and a 5-4 victory completed a winning trifecta of events for Krista.
They paired up for the first time as did Michelle and Steve and the final was a thrilling set played in hot conditions.
Congratulations to all players who participated over the last two weekends. To those non winners, club spirit and friendship were the winners and your Participation Certificates are in the mail!
Congratulations also to Ruby Quigley who made the final of The NSTA Womens’ Open Division Singles Final on Sunday after some great wins along the way against older opponents. She lost to Sarah Munroe in the final. Ruby continues to improve and is a great representative for Manly Lawn Tennis Club.
All Badge Teams were entered last Friday and all Team Members should receive a log in email from Sydney Badge which you need to click on to register yourself. Their system only allows six players in your team, if there are more than 6, you will get registered just before you play your first match. The gradings will be available in two weeks time and another few weeks for the draw.
Denis
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
Ruby: Runner Up NSTA Women’s Open
/in Club News /by RobMLTC Newsletter – 21st Feb 2023
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobCLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25
MENS 40+ DOUBLES AT NOON
MENS 60+ DOUBLES AT NOON
WOMENS 40+ DOUBLES AT 3PM
SUNDAY 26
COMBINED 100 MIXED AT 9AM
Last Saturday the Mens 60+ singles was won by Rob Muir in a round robin of 5 players. Richard Badham was runner up.
The Mens 40+ plus saw some tough sets in hot conditions. Fernando Alves won his pool as did Geoff Dunstan his pool. The final between them was a long struggle in very hot conditions and with Geoff leading 5-4, play was stopped as Geoff was feeling unwell. Sportingly Fernando did not want to accept a forfeit so the title was shared. Both players will go down as joint winners in our records.
Fernando should be congratulated for his sportsmanship and club spirit. This is what the Club Championships are all about! So well done Fernando.
Sunday saw The Hilton Mace Trophy decided in the Combined 100 Mens Doubles. Sean White/Ray Dummett won their pool as did Alec Badham with his old man Richard. In a great final Alec and Richard survived a seesawing set to win 6-4. All 4 finalists then shared drinks afterwards in the clubhouse.
The Womens 100 plus doubles was then played with some close sets again. Krista Oates and Johanna Isherwood were the winners from five pairs. Congratulations to them as I believe this is the first time they have paired together.
Several members asked me if I had checked birth certificates as all the ladies looked so young!
Killara Tennis Club has asked if any of our teams are interested in playing a practice match against them? Either at our courts or theirs. Any Captain who is interested please contact me.
Good luck to all this weekend.
Denis Crowley.
TRIVIA FRIDAY 3 MARCH
Arrive 6.30pm pre drinks and pizza trivia will start at 7.30pm.
Cost:$15 per person, pay into MLTC account BSB 062-197 Account 1000 0562, include your name and Trivia
RSVP by Wednesday 1st March
For seating purposes, teams of 8 should be arranged between yourselves and advised prior to the evening at the following email; [email protected] ( Michelle)
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
MLTC Newsletter 17 Feb 2023
/in Club News /by RobTRIVIA FRIDAY 3 MARCH
Arrive 6.30pm pre drinks and pizza trivia will start at 7.30pm.
Cost:$15 per person, pay into MLTC account BSB 062-197 Account 1000 0562, include your name and Trivia
RSVP by Wednesday 1st March
Upon arrival you will receive a complementary beer, wine, cider or soft drink of your choice from the bar. Pizza will be provided. For seating purposes, teams of 8 should be arranged between yourselves and advised prior to the evening at the following email; [email protected] (Michelle)
The Badge Teams have been selected and are listed on our website and the notice board.
In the Mens Teams some players have been rewarded for their high percentages by being upgraded to a higher team. The selectors felt a few changes needed to be made from last year. The new members have been placed in the lower teams as they have not played Badge before and need to show the selectors their talent and if successful will be promoted next season. Consistency is the key to success in Badge. So good luck to all our new members.
A few Mens teams are light on numbers. This is unavoidable as we also tried to keep some friends together and an extra team was created. The new rules this year only allow 6 players to be listed in a team. Six reserves only can be added over the course of the season. So teams with more than six players need to add the extra player as needed each week. You do this by notifying myself or Virginia.
Players can also play up or down the grades as long as the replacement player has a UTR of no higher than .5 of the player he or she is replacing.
So a UTR of 6.5 in Division 8 can replace a player in Division 9 with a UTR of 6 for example. If a player has no UTR, permission is needed from Tennis NSW. Virginia and I will do this. All Badge correspondence must be through Virginia and myself as delegates.
You can reserve multiple times up or down the grades but still remain a member of your original team. The 3 match rule has been scrapped.
You need to play 3 matches during the season to qualify for the finals. If a match is washed out, the players listed down to play will qualify as one of their 3 matches for finals.
The Captains need to be aware especially of these rules.
Keirle Park
Since we have 4 Womens Teams and 8 Mens Teams, we have to use Keirle Park for two matches each week. All Teams except Womens 1 Team and Mens 1 and 2 Teams will play a match or two at Keirle Park.
Two Social Courts will be available each Saturday from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
We will play the higher grades in the later time slots unless an early time is requested.
Badge begins April 29 and gradings will be available in mid march.
Practice courts will be made available on Saturdays and Sundays for Team Practice in March.
A lot of news here but if you read it twice it will be beneficial. All teams should be aware of the rules.
Good luck to all our Badge Teams this year ( And The Bulldogs In NRL)
Denis Crowley Club Captain.
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
MLTC Womens Badge Teams 2023
/in Badge, Club News /by RobWOMENS BADGE TEAMS 2023
MLTC Women Team 1.
MLTC Team 2.
MLTC Team 3.
MLTC Team 4.
Thursday Ladies Mid Week Badge
RESERVE POOL- SATURDAY BADGE
RESERVE POOL – THURSDAY BADGE
MLTC Mens Badge Teams 2023
/in Badge, Club News /by RobMLTC MENS BADGE 2023
Approved 16Feb23