Tennis Queensland Gold Coast Region

2009 GC Team

On the early evening of December 4th 2009, the Gold Coast’s brightest juniors attended the Tallebudgera Active Recreation Centre for the inaugural teams tennis camp.

The object of the camp was to reward the Gold Coast’s most talented and enthusiastic players for their efforts throughout the 2009 season and allow them to come together and bond as a team to get the best out of all players.  In all, 45 players attended the subsidized 3 day 2 night camp.

On the opening night, Mayor Ron Clarke welcomed the team personally, issuing team shirts and giving a motivational speech on sports performance. His partner Helen contributed giving out Wilson grips and water bottles. Then it was to the oval where players had a taster of ultimate frisbee run by the GC Ultimate Frisbee Coordinator. William Davison a stand-out with his speed and uncanny read of the disc. As the sun dawned on day 2, it was off to the beach for a jog and team photo.  Main activities were then run by SRQ and included pool games, team building and indoor sports and high ropes.

Players found themselves with plenty of energy during the camp with 7 meals provided each day supplied as sponsorship from Wray Organic. Of an evening, players were able to relax, however it was apparent that many players were thinking ahead to the ultimate battle. The Queensland Junior Teams Carnival was just one week away and pits the best of the rest from regions around the state in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Seeking additional energy, Cameron Becker-Jones tucked into another lolly from his everlasting lolly bag, and it was clear that our juniors would be tough to beat.

Day 3, Jeff Jarvis goes up for breakfast-seconds and more organic bacon, with beach games and body boarding activities to come.

Debra Wray (Wray Organic) then gave an insightful presentation on nutrition and organic foods.

Geoff Masters jumped on board as the specialist doubles coach over the weekend, coaching each age group some of the secrets to doubles success.

Julie Dybendahl ran our beginners session of MLC Tennis Hot Shots on an indoor court with the assistance of the 17/u players.  Beginners from the community played mini tennis and other games. This gave our players an opportunity to show off some skills, learn coaching techniques and promote tennis to new players….

In the final stages of the camp and with the sun still beating down, Cold Rock Ice Cream came through, giving every player an individual ice cream with the flavours pre-selected by players.

One week later our team began its campaign against the best of the rest.  With our 11/U team utilizing doubles secrets from the Geoff Masters handbook, other uninformed teams began to question the tactics.  When told by another team “You cannot stand there in doubles” Cade Birrell shut down the complaint stating “Yes we can, Geoff Masters said so” and then served out the match.

�With the event held across 4 different venues and�over 300 players participating, it was tough to gauge which team was on top, but with the smiles on our players faces, I knew we were doing well.� TQ President Ken Laffey presided over the presentation,�with the�final scores read from last to first.� The Gold Coast was then announced as 2009 QLD Junior Teams Champions beating Metro North by a single game!!!!  The Gold Coast now 2009 State JMC Champions and QLD JTC Champions!!!

Special thanks to team supervisors Stephen Kua, Marion Laughlin, Brad Andrews, Connie Chan, and supporters Geoff Masters, Julie Dybendahl, Cold Rock Ice Cream, EmbroidMe Southport, Tennis Queensland, Wray Organic and Mayor Clarke and to all players for giving their best!!!