Lake Ōkāreka Tennis Club
The Tennis Club is located on Council owned land adjacent to the Lake Ōkāreka Hall and in the past has been an essential and active part of the community. Currently there is a resurgence of interest in the Club which is a vibrant keystone of our wonderful community. The Club has a wide range of adult members but the large number of new members come from families with children in the 5-15 age range.
New Surfaces & Clubhouse Upgrade
The courts were upgraded with Astroturf surfaces (and new fencing) which will serve our community for another twenty years and build a new generation of Lake Ōkāreka tennis champions by harnessing the sporting ability within our streets. Who knows – we may even build a notable interclub team to take on and conquer Rotorua? At worst the new surfaces will well serve those who want an occasional bash at tennis for themselves or their guests. Our little Clubhouse is soon to be upgraded to include a roof extension providing shelter and shade to the decks on both sides. This will be great for the upcoming summer season, making the space more comfortable and user friendly.
New Surfaces & Clubhouse Upgrade
The courts were upgraded with Astroturf surfaces (and new fencing) which will serve our community for another twenty years and build a new generation of Lake Ōkāreka tennis champions by harnessing the sporting ability within our streets. Who knows – we may even build a notable interclub team to take on and conquer Rotorua? At worst the new surfaces will well serve those who want an occasional bash at tennis for themselves or their guests. Our little Clubhouse is soon to be upgraded to include a roof extension providing shelter and shade to the decks on both sides. This will be great for the upcoming summer season, making the space more comfortable and user friendly.
Membership
Membership is a cornerstone of the club’s survival. The club is very inclusive and new members are warmly welcomed. Subscriptions for the 2014/2015 year are $100 per family. Payment is requested into the Lake Ōkāreka Tennis Club account at Westpac Bank Account number: 03-1552-0130369-00 with reference - surname - subs (and coaching if applicable). It is essential you e-mail johnbattersby@xtra.co.nz in confirmation of the deposit noting subscription and number of children receiving coaching. Please also include current address and phone numbers. Keys will be sent out or made available for collection in October and the lock to the courts will be changed on 31 October.
What can the club offer you?
State of the art courts which will help you rise to the pinnacle of your tennis ability:
- Casual but competitive tournaments to boost your ego
- Arranged private professional coaching for adults and children
- Social contact with your neighbours and friends
- Exceptional tennis playing value in terms of subs
- Sporting inspiration and skills for your children
- Alternative sports such as children’s cricket, or soccer could be played there
- Potential interclub glory
- Exercise!
Head Coach - Henry Gers
Henry grew up as one of New Zealand's top juniors and was awarded a tennis scholarship to train and study at the University of New Mexico where he combined tennis with a degree in environmental science. He coached in California with the great Jose Higueras (former coach of Monica Seles, Jim Courier and Federer). He has coached at the Melbourne tennis Academy in Australian and at Remuera Racquets club for 4 years and has developed programs for younger children to transition them from mini tennis through to full court and high performance tennis.
Henry is available for group or individual lessons at the Rotorua Club in Manuka Crescent. Henry has group lessons which are great fun and good exercise. Henry’s number is 021 627 013 or henrygers@hotmail.com
Holiday Coaching Programme
Henry is running a holiday programme for players of all ages and abilities Monday 6 to Thursday 9 October. The cost is $25 per day and bookings are essential. Contact Henry on lakestennis@outlook.com. RSVP by 28 September.
Spring Coaching for Children
Friday evening coaching sessions at the club cater for around 35-40 children with two professional coaches. This also forms a great social base for parents and children to meet. Children who are too young to play tennis are occupied safely at the adjacent Hall playground while the older children attend the coaching sessions. There is also a barbeque for the children with sausages and drinks for $1.
Please note that numbers for each session may be limited this season as suggested by the coach so registration is on a first in basis. Registration by 10 October. Coaching starts Friday afternoon 17 October (end week one of term 4) and runs for 8 weeks including 24/10 (Labour Weekend) due to the number of weekends before Christmas. The cost is determined by the number attending.
Friday Coaching Sessions
Up to 7 years - 4.00 to 4.45pm
Up to 9 years - 4.45 to 5.45pm
Over 10 years - 5.45 to 6.45pm
By Friday 10 October could you please:
- register your interest
- advise the number of children you wish to attend
- their age
- which session they are likely to attend
Weekly Adult Tennis
Weekly adult tennis starts on Wednesday 16 October from 6.00pm
HotShots Junior Coaching Programme - Tuesdays
The Australian Tennis HotShots Program was first launched 7 years ago in Australia. Designed by leading tennis experts and sports scientists it uses modified balls, courts and equipment suitable for young children making it easy for them to achieve success on the tennis court. Taking into account children's physical, mental and psycho-social skills at each level, programs are designed to cater for their specific developmental readiness. Sessions are made up of a number of activities and games, each with its own technical and tactical focus. Starting at the Red Stage, balls are larger, lighter and softer with a low bounce making it easier for children to successfully participate. The Orange Stage balls are regular size, but are lighter and bounce lower than Green Stage balls, which in turn are lighter and softer than regular tennis balls. Players at each level improve and build on their skills/competencies learned in the previous stage, drawing on many of the same games and techniques used previously. The Australian Tennis HotShots program is highly acclaimed and has been adopted by many international federations, including New Zealand Tennis. Each program is written and designed individually by our head coach who is HotShots trained and certified. Below is a list of the new programs offered at Lake Ōkāreka Tennis Club. So join the thousands of excited youngsters enjoying our game. Learning tennis has never been so fun and productive.
Click here for details on age groups and timing.
AGM
This is scheduled for 31 October at 5.00pm. New committee members are required – confirm your interest now!
Contacts
John Battersby 362 8282 or 027 2413571 or johnbattersby@xtra.co.nz
Hongli 362 8106
Gert van der Merwe 362 8835
They will be happy to answer your queries about membership, coaching, sponsorship or the next social event. They may even give you a game!