18 November 2019 | Tennis West

Sorrento Tennis Club Head Coach Richard Sampson has been bestowed the Arthur Marshall Club Coaching Excellence Award at the 2019 WA Tennis Industry Awards Night held at Optus Stadium in October.

The coveted award, which recognises a coach’s commitment to providing quality coaching programs whilst actively engaged in growing the sport of tennis by providing competition opportunities for players of all ages and abilities, was received by Richard Sampson in front of a 300 strong crowd.

Providing coaching services at Sorrento TC for more than 14 years, Sampson and the InStyle Tennis Management team deliver a wide range of program offerings to all members of the club, regardless of age or ability.

Determined to offer a variety of opportunities for player engagement, Sampson coordinates competitions, tournaments, cardio tennis and social tennis, in addition to catering for specialised groups, including children with autism and asthma.

Managing the extensive ANZ Tennis Hot Shots program for 3-12 year olds, Sampson also works with 15 local schools throughout the area delivering before, during, and after school coaching programs.

Furthering the engagement of school based players, Sampson coordinates the running of a school competition throughout term four which culminates in an interschool tournament. The 2018 event saw up to eight local schools and a record 192 participants involved in the competition.

Sampson says the award belongs to the whole coaching team at Sorrento Tennis Club, and is a fantastic reward for all of their hard work.

“It’s a great honour to win this award, and it’s fantastic for our team to be recognised for all of the hard work we put into the coaching profession”

“It’s not just an award for me, but an award for my whole team, because without a great team of coaches it’s hard to build and grow a business.”

“I want to thank my team for the amazing effort they have put in over the last 12 months to ensure the coaching program here at Sorrento TC is a great success. And I look forward to continued success in the future”

More than 40 Award Nominations across 19 Award Categories were received for the 2019 WA Tennis Industry Award Night which has ran since its inception in 2002.

Tennis West CEO, Michael Roberts says the Industry Awards Night is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the sports hard working clubs, volunteers, coaches and players, congratulating all nominees and award winners on their achievements throughout the year.

“Our awards night is always such a great reminder of the contributions and achievements made by everyone involved in tennis,”

“WA continues to see growth across the sport which can only be attributed to the tireless efforts of our club volunteers and partner schools who continuously go above and beyond to ensure the delivery of our great sport,”

“Our coaches maintain their position as some of the best in the country with athletes under their direction proving consistent and outstanding results across all levels,”

“The rewards of everyone’s efforts are then realised through increased club activity, top performing juniors and WA players who continue to do us proud on the WTA and ATP,’

“None of this is possible without the contribution of everyone involved and our awards night helps to remind us of that,” Roberts said.

All winners of the WA Tennis Industry Awards Night were nominated for their respective categories at the Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards to be held at Crown Melbourne on Monday 2 December.

Summary of 2019 WA Tennis Industry Awards Winners:

JUNIOR TENNIS STAR
Female – Talia Gibson
Male – Tristan Schoolkate

KAREN BUCENS AWARD
Derek Pham

MOST OUTSTANDING SCHOOL
South Bunbury Primary School

MOST OUTSTANDING INCLUSION INITIATIVE
Perth Performance Tennis Academy, Bullcreek TC

ARTHUR MARSHALL COACHING EXCELLENCECLUB
Richard SampsonSorrento TC

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARD
City of Kalamunda

STATE LEAGUE CHAMPION MEN’S TEAM
Hensman Park TC

STATE LEAGUE CHAMPION WOMEN’S TEAM
Royal Kings Park TC

WOMEN’S STATE LEAGUE MVP
Nina Catovic – Royal Kings Park TC

MEN’S STATE LEAGUE MVP
Sam Ashenden – Royal Kings Park TC

MOST OUTSTANDING AR TOURNAMENT
2019 North Beach Junior Classic

EXCELLENCE IN OFFICIATING
Alireza Chitgar

VOLUNTEER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Julianne HillBrunswick TC

MOST OUSTANDING 35+ SENIOR
Debra Kirk – Tennis Seniors WA / Melville TC

SERVICE TO TENNIS AWARD
Maureen Smith – Blue Gum Park TC

MOST OUTSTANDING SMALL CLUB
Dunsborough TC

MOST OUTSTANDING LARGE CLUB
East Fremantle Lawn TC

The WA Tennis Industry Awards Night, was held on Friday 11 October and was proudly presented by major sponsor KC Australia. The prestigious event celebrates tennis in Western Australia and recognises the outstanding achievements of our state’s junior and senior players, officials, coaches, administrators and volunteers.