19 January 2025 | Tennis Victoria

The Australian Open (AO) is not only a stage for the world’s best tennis players; it also provides a space for Victorian youngsters to shine. Over the course of two weeks, 17 dedicated volunteers have stepped up to assist Tennis Victoria staff in carrying out their daily tasks during the busy AO season. Among them, three volunteers from the same club – Upwey South Tennis Club.

Finn, Shae, and Josh (right to left), proud representatives of Upwey South Tennis Club, have brought enthusiasm, dedication, and a shared passion for tennis to their volunteer roles. Josh and Shae participated in Tennis Victoria’s Future Leaders program in 2023, while Finn completed the program most recently in 2024. Their club’s committee and coach have played a vital role in supporting their journey, fostering their growth and enabling them to give back to the tennis community. Shae’s reflection, “our coaches encouraged us to join Future Leaders,” points out how the support of Upwey South Tennis Club’s committee and coach have been instrumental in fostering an environment where young players feel motivated to step up and contribute.

Josh and Shae’s involvement with Upwey South Tennis Club has extended well beyond the Future Leaders program. Their contributions to the club include:

• Assisting with holiday clinics alongside the club’s coaches
• Participating in ongoing treasurer meetings to support grant writing efforts
• Organising and running tournaments to foster engagement within the club

These initiatives showcase their dedication to nurturing a thriving tennis community and ensuring their club’s continued success.

When asked what excites him most about volunteering at the AO, Josh shared, “I’m most excited to see the up-and-coming players and to witness some really great quality tennis.”

Finn, the youngest and the most recent graduate of the Future Leaders program out of the trio, has already demonstrated great initiative. His Future Leaders project centres on celebrating Upwey South TC’s 50th anniversary, an event scheduled for late March. His efforts are set to create a memorable milestone for the club and its community.

The Future Leaders program by Tennis Victoria equips young tennis enthusiasts with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles within their clubs and communities. For Josh, Shae, and Finn, the program has been a valuable experience, providing them with opportunities to grow and make meaningful contributions.

Their efforts at the Australian Open and within Upwey South Tennis Club demonstrate the positive impact of investing in youth leadership through programs such as Future Leaders. Through their hard work and genuine passion for the sport, they are not only shaping their own futures but also inspiring others to get more involved at their local club.

Some of their daily tasks at the AO involve:

• Work alongside Tennis Victoria staff to manage groups of young players engaging in the Kids on Court activities
• Act as a role model for young players, encouraging positive behaviour and sportsmanship 
• Help with the setup and pack-down of equipment for each Kids on Court session, ensuring courts are prepared and in optimal condition for the next group
• Proactively ensure the safety and well-being of all players

As the Australian Open continues, the contributions of these young leaders remind us of the power of community and the importance of supporting the next generation of tennis enthusiasts. Upwey South Tennis Club can be proud of the legacy Josh, Shae, and Finn are building, both on and off the court.

Click here to see our conversation with the trio!

For more information about the Future Leaders Program, click here.

Stay up to date with #VicsAtTheAO to see what Victorians have been up to at the AO!

Finn Fitzgerald – Upwey South Tennis Club