Mildura Lawn Tennis Club coach BILL MADAFFERI, a former ATP player, joins the Sunraysia Daily sports team to look at local tennis.
IT was really disappointing to see all junior football and netball cancelled this week.
The decision must have been a tough one for the SFNL, but necessary given the restrictions now in place on people crossing the border between New South Wales and Victoria.
Any decision you make as an administrator of a sporting organisation is always scrutinised and not everyone is going to be happy with what you decide.
As a tennis association we have also agonised over whether to continue with our winter season or just draw a line in the the sand and start planning for our summer competition.
But, after a lot of phone calls, some lengthy discussions and considering the impact the border restrictions would have on our teams, it was decided we would push on.
Unfortunately, some players will be unable to continue playing and this is really disappointing for them and everyone else involved in the Sunraysia District Tennis Association.
Tennis is such a social sport and I know our winter competition is something players in the region look forward to every year.
However, these are strange times, and we can only deal with things as they present themselves.
At the moment, we are told it is safe to play community sport as long as everyone abides by the guidelines that have been put in place.
It was really reassuring last week during our first round to see players adhering to the protocols each club has implemented.
With round 2 hitting off today, I can’t stress enough the importance of continuing to abide by these rules.
Tennis has a real opportunity over the next couple of months to increase its participation numbers.
The cancellation of other sports in the region means anyone who has previously played tennis or has thought about playing, the opportunity is now there to join one of our clubs.
It is a great sport and a fantastic way to connect with other people and stay active during these difficult times.
If anyone is interested in joining a club this season, they can contact me on 0419 572 210 or email billtennis@optus.com.au.
