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NEWS RELEASES
| HIGHLIGHTS FROM QLD - Fancutt Tennis Centre |
| Published on February 21‚ 2013 |
“Since Term 2, 2011, I have been conducting tennis lessons at Geebung State School with the
assistance of the Kids Tennis Foundation.
The lessons are conducted on a weekly basis. Both Students and teachers gain enjoyment from the lesson each week. Students learn the fundamentals of tennis.
Each week the students learn hand-eye co-ordination skills, drills including forehand, backhand, volleys, rallys and fun games.
The lessons give the students the opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience the game of tennis, not to mention the boost to their self-confidence & self-esteem.
Providing the lessons introduces the students to the game of the tennis and gain interest in the sport.
Therefore increasing participation in the sport. Tennis promotes a healthy lifestyle and has many benefits.”
Genevieve
Fancutts Tennis Centre |
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| GLENVALE STATE SCHOOL - TOOWOOMBA |
| Published on February 21‚ 2013 |
A Kids Tennis Foundation program has been running at Glenvale State School in Toowoomba for about a year.
Toowoomba is about two hours drive west of Brisbane, and the school is situated in the far south-west of the city, which has a population of about 100,000.
Glenvale school is more than 120 years old. The school’s one tennis court is an old bitumen court. Worn out fencing was recently replaced.
Glenvale’s PE teacher, Chris Tait, has been very welcoming to KTF. This year he has organised for me to take two classes for 30 minute sessions every Thursday morning. This term we have started bright and early, at 8.50am.
During the term the children are given an introduction to most elements of tennis – all the main strokes, how tennis players move, rallying, and how the game is played.
To let them experience rallying I set up six mini-courts and use coloured low compression balls. It’s obvious the children love this challenge.
Chris Tait says of the KTF program: “Glenvale State School really appreciates the efforts of Stephen Murphy and the Kids Tennis Foundation program. The children eagerly look forward every week to the sessions and the feedback is always fantastic. Our tennis courts have never been used so much and we would be very interested in continuing this program in the future.” |
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| KTF's Queensland Administrator Moves On |
| Published on November 30‚ 2009 |
BY STEPHEN MURPHY
It seems like only months ago that Susie Norton invited me to succeed Mick Seeney as KTF’s Queensland Administrator. But it is years rather than months, and in fact all too soon the time has come for me to move on.
Being my farewell report in this position, please forgive me if I depart from the usual accounts of the various schools and their KTF programs.
It is a pleasure and privilege to be involved in tennis in Australia. We have an incredible tennis heritage, an exciting environment right now, and numerous talented and passionate people in the sport.
KTF is a wonderful organization. It expresses an Australian egalitarianism – the idea that children from disadvantaged backgrounds should not be excluded from tennis. In Australia, tennis has always been a sport for the masses. Of course, some of our greatest champions came from very humble, if not to say, disadvantaged, circumstances. The schools that some of our champions attended would have qualified for a KTF program, were there a KTF in those days.
It must be the same story around Australia, but in Queensland there are some truly wonderful people applying
themselves to KTF’s mission. How can you put a value on a capable and caring coach going into a disadvantaged school and making a difference to the lives of the kids there? I would like to thank all the coaches who have been part of KTF in Queensland during my time – including Sandra Field, Genevieve Knight, Scott Morgan, Mick Seeney, Kevin Banner, Paul Ladewig (pictured with students from Murphy's Creek State School), Bevan Mulholland and Bill McDonald.
My thanks to everyone at KTF, from chairman Paul McNamee down, for the opportunity to be involved. Like my predecessor I continue to be involved as a coach. I hope in these difficult times that KTF will continue to be supported by sponsors and that primary schools will continue to make space for tennis courts on their grounds. Australia has some wonderful tennis coaches and some of the most extraordinary seem to be in KTF. Long may it continue. Thanks and farewell. |
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| News around Queensland |
| Published on June 10‚ 2009 |
BY STEPHEN MURPHY
The city of Toowoomba, about 150kms west of Brisbane, is an interesting mix of city and country. On the western edge of Toowoomba, Glenvale State School is a city school with a friendly, country feel. Its one tennis court is an old bitumen court with a net that has seen better days and a gate that footballs can easily pass through. The court is surrounded by trees which are home to magpies that swoop fiercely in spring. As rustic as the court is, it’s always a pleasure to go to the school on Thursday mornings for Kids Tennis Foundation.
The program at Glenvale State School (pictured) started in February this year, thanks to wonderful cooperation from principal Dave Saxton and PE teacher Chris Tait. This is the first KTF program I have personally coached, and it’s great fun. We are definitely giving many children their first taste of tennis and letting them see that they can play the game.
Near Toowoomba, coach Paul Ladewig has been continuing his great work at Murphy’s Creek State School. Principal Jo Sinclair-Jones told me: “We are extremely happy with the tennis program.” Further north, Kevin Banner has been coaching at Gayndah State School, about 150kms west of Maryborough, Kevin also started at Bundaberg South State School in Term 2.
Times are tough in Queensland, as elsewhere around Australia. So we are hastening slowly with the expansion of KTF in Queensland. But one prospective expansion we are pursuing is a second base of KTF activity in Brisbane, at the Morningside Tennis Centre. The Centre has expressed a strong interest in starting KTF programs in suitable nearby schools. This would couple with the work performed through the Fancutts Junior Tennis Club, and coaches Sandra Field, Genevieve Knight and Scott Morgan. Sandra reports that Windsor State School and Wooloowin State School are back on board for 2009.
As the weather cools in the sunshine state, more schools will resume their KTF programs and I look forward to reporting on these next time. |
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| Queensland news 2008 - Part II |
| Published on January 8‚ 2009 |
FROM STEPHEN MURPHY
For the last two years or so KTF in Queensland has been run from Toowoomba, yet there has been no program in the city.
Hopefully this is about to change with one of our state primary schools showing considerable interest in hosting KTF. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but we should be in a position to confirm by next newsletter.
Queensland’s newest program is just outside Toowoomba, at Murphy’s Creek State School. Coach Paul Ladewig has increased his work there to two programs a week and reports that the sessions are going very well.
We have also contacted Tennis Queensland regional development officers in two regions to let coaches know about KTF and invite those interested to contact us with a view to joining our team. We appreciate the assistance of Tennis Queensland.
Next year we look forward to a visit from our chief executive officer, Susie Norton. It will be great to welcome Susie to Queensland again. It is exciting times in tennis here, with the new State Tennis Centre opening and the first Brisbane International tournament.
Of course KTF programs are continuing in Brisbane through the Fancutts Junior Tennis Club. Coaches Sandra Field, Genevieve Knight and Scott Morgan have been working this year in Wooloowin State School, Windsor State School, Boondall State School and Geebung State School.
Thanks to the Fancutts Junior Tennis Club for their on-going commitment to KTF. I’m hoping to make a quick visit to Fancutts in December.
Further north, Mick Seeney has been working with kids at Theebine State School and Kevin Banner in Bundaberg has been at Gayndah State School.
I am also making a quick trip to Melbourne in early December and will call in to Susie and Kate Szabo at head office. It’s going to be a busy end to the year!
There is still much work to be done to fulfill KTF’s potential in Queensland and I will be working towards a bigger and better 2009. |
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| Queensland news 2008 - Part I |
| Published on July 31‚ 2008 |
FROM STEPHEN MURPHY
There have been two big highlights for Kids Tennis Foundation in Queensland so far this year - the launching of two new programs by two new KTF coaches.
One program started in April under coach Paul Ladewig. This is at Murphy’s Creek State School, not far from Toowoomba on the Darling Downs. All reports from Paul and school principal Jo Sinclair-Jones are that the kids are enjoying their first taste of tennis. It was a pleasure for me to join Paul on the court for one lesson at the start of the program. We might even have discovered a future star. When a child is using near perfect forehand technique in lesson 1, it’s pretty exciting!
The second new program this year is starting at Kippa-Ring State School on the northern outskirts of Brisbane. Kippa-Ring is returning to the KTF fold, this time under coach Wendy Greer.
Thank you so much to Paul and Wendy for stepping forward to join the KTF coaching team in Queensland. I hope they can stay part of KTF for many years.
Other programs have been continuing at Gayndah State School near Bundaberg, under coach Kevin Banner, and in Brisbane through coaches Sandra Field, Genevieve Knight and Scott Morgan from the Fancutts Junior Tennis Club. They have been making it possible for kids at Windsor State School and Wooloowin State School to experience our sport.
They provide an excellent service for these schools delivering lessons that further the students’ technique and skills. Wooloowin students (pictured) look forward to their weekly lessons because everyone is kept active and focused at all times. Students also experience a variety of games and activities tailored to their specific needs.
A number of programs at other schools will re-commence in Term 3, when the very hot conditions of summer in tropical Queensland have eased.
As outlined in the last news post, there are plans to expand KTF programs into other centres. Queensland is a big state, and there is room for much more activity. One centre I hope to visit later this year is Rockhampton, where coach Bevan Mullholand has been a KTF coach for many years.
This year there have been new directives from our state government child protection agency – the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian. I am spending a significant amount of time ensuring that Kids Tennis Foundation fully meets all its obligations.
Thanks once again to Susie and Kate in Melbourne for all their support and to all who are helping achieve KTF’s goals in Queensland. |
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| Big plans for KTF in Queensland |
| Published on December 3‚ 2007 |
BY STEPHEN MURPHY
Next year is promising to be an exciting one for KTF in Queensland. After a year of consolidation in 2007, with this new administrator learning the ropes, next year there are plans to launch KTF programs in Toowoomba, Mount Isa (Pat Rafter’s home town), Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. This would add to our presence now in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Sexton.
On behalf of the kids, thank you so much to the Queensland coaching team for their dedication this year – Mick Seeney, Sandra Field, Scott Morgan, Genevieve Knight, Bevan Mulholland, Karen Lawson, Bill McDonald, Brad Clews, Kevin Banner and Karen Farrell.
It was a huge pleasure for me to visit long-time KTF coach Kevin Banner (pictured) in Bundaberg earlier this year. Kevin has been coaching at Avondale State School this year. He is one of those highly experienced coaches who are lynchpins in their local tennis communities. Visits to other KTF coaches are planned in 2008.
Queensland is also preparing to welcome Jenny Kirkman who is re-locating from New South Wales to Bribie Island. Jenny will be continuing the great work she has been doing for KTF. NSW’s loss will be our gain!
Finally, may I take this opportunity to sincerely thank Susie and Kate in Melbourne for all their assistance during the year.
KTF has been operating in Queensland only since 2000. I am extremely confident our best is yet to come. |
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| News from Queensland - May 2007 |
| Published on May 28‚ 2007 |
BY STEPHEN MURPHY
KTF activity in Queensland this year is slowly gathering pace. It’s interesting that due to extreme summer heat in parts of Queensland, some schools don’t run activities like tennis in term 1. But with the weather now cooling a little, KTF activity is increasing in tempo.
Helping to increase our activity this year, we would like to warmly welcome three new coaches. Karen Farrel is based at the Pine Tennis Centre in Brisbane. We are currently arranging schools for Karen to coach at. At the Fancutt Junior Tennis Club in Brisbane, Scott Morgan has been assisting established KTF coach Sandra Field. Scott has now become a KTF coach in his own right. Sandra and Scott have been coaching children at Wooloowin State School, Windsor State School and Holy Cross Primary School. Also in Brisbane, Bill McDonald has been joined by Brad Clews. They have been running a KTF program at Scarborough State School.
Karen, Scott and Brad join other established KTF coaches, Mick Seeney at Sexton (Theebine State School), Kevin Banner at Bundaberg and Bevan Mulholland in Rockhampton.
I really want to thank all the coaches. Without them it would not be possible to run any KTF programs in Queensland. With their involvement and support we can be successful. Later this year I will be visiting as many of our coaches as possible.
I would also like to sincerely thank Duncan Turpie for donating a ball machine (used but in excellent condition) as well as other useful tennis equipment to KTF. Duncan lives on the Gold Coast and phoned out of the blue with his very generous offer. The machine is now in Toowoomba and available for any Queensland KTF coach to use. Many thanks also to Kerry Brookes for her donation of tennis racquets to KTF for programs in Queensland.
Above photo - Stephen Murphy caught up with an old mate from junior tennis days, Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald, at a recent coach’s workshop in Brisbane. |
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| News from Queensland - 2006 |
| Published on December 4‚ 2006 |
WELCOME… Stephen Murphy
Stephen Murphy has taken over from Mick Seeney as the new Queensland Administrator for Kids Tennis Foundation.
Stephen is originally from Adelaide and during his time there won more than 10 junior and senior singles and doubles titles, and represented his district and state. After finishing year 12, he went on to pursue his other passion, journalism. In the early 1980s he twice spent summers in Germany as a coach and tennis writer. Upon his return he decided to go to university where he completed an undergraduate degree and postgraduate degree at La Trobe University in Melbourne. In the 90s he was married and became a dad to two kids. In 2000 Stephen and his family moved to Canberra, and he returned to coaching. After five years in there Stephen and his family moved to Yass in NSW. There Stephen introduced a coaching program to the Hume Tennis Club, and for three years sat on the club’s committee. He became a TCA and Tennis Australia Certified Development Coach and has just joined the new Tennis Australia Coaching Membership. Creating new tennis players and making tennis a positive part of children’s lives is Stephen’s passion in coaching.
Earlier this year Stephen and his family moved to Toowoomba on Queensland’s Darling Downs. He has been tennis columnist for the city’s newspaper and begun a coaching program at the Newtown-Centrals Tennis Club and has taken on the role of the club’s president. Stephen has had an active year in tennis writing. Now specializing in the history of the game, he has published articles in Australian Tennis Magazine, and has begun to work informally with Tennis Australia and the Australian Tennis Museum, Sydney.
Stephen has been associated with Kids Tennis Foundation for a couple of years and has edited the KTF newsletter on a regular basis. Stephen officially commenced as Kids Tennis Foundation’s Queensland Administrator at the beginning of term 4 this year and KTF is thrilled to have Stephen on board.
See below for Stephen's first report as Queensland's new KTF Administrator.
FAREWELL… Mick Seeney
Kids Tennis Foundation was launched in Queensland in 2000 and it was then that Mick Seeney commenced in the role of Queensland Administrator. During this time Mick sourced coaches and set up KTF programs in many disadvantaged primary schools throughout Queensland. As well as administering the Program, Mick also conducted programs as a coach for KTF.
Mick & Donna, together with their two sons, have left “the big smoke” to set up a new home in Sexton. Mick will still be involved with KTF as a coach and has already commenced a program at a school nearby.
Kids Tennis Foundation sincerely thanks Mick for his dedication and commitment in his administrative role with KTF and wishes him and his family all the best for the future.
NEWS FROM QUEENSLAND... by Stephen Murphy
Having been a Kids Tennis Foundation supporter and editor of this newsletter for the last couple of years, it’s a pleasure to contribute the first report as the new KTF Queensland Administrator. Thank you so much to my predecessor Mick Seeney for the excellent foundations he has helped lay down for KTF in the sunshine state. I hope Mick can continue as a valuable member of the Queensland coaching team for a long time to come. Many thanks also to our CEO Susie Norton and National Coordinator Kate Szabo, whom I had the pleasure of visiting in Melbourne recently.
I am writing this in Toowoomba which, if you don’t know, is a large regional city on the Darling Downs west of Brisbane. The city has a proud tennis heritage. Many years ago its big tennis events (including four Australian hardcourt titles) attracted some of Australia’s and the world’s greatest players. In fact I’m new to the city and to Queensland, having moved here at the start of the year from Yass, NSW. Since leaving my Adelaide nest many years ago I have enjoyed living in a number of capital cities and regional centres, but now am putting down roots here. It’s partly family roots that have brought me to the Downs. My father’s big family were prominent in tennis circles here a long time ago. I’ve become president of a club where an uncle was champion and tennis columnist for the Toowoomba newspaper. Here also I’ve continued to develop another of my passions, the history of the game, including as a contributor to Australian Tennis Magazine.
Of course, KTF is also a passion. What a brilliant idea it was back in 1983 - and still is - for we in tennis to utilise our sport to help kids in disadvantaged primary schools. None of it would be possible without the coaches. Thanks to these dedicated people around Queensland, KTF has been active in six schools this year. Mick Seeney has been at Theebine State School, Sandra Fields at Wooloowin SS, Bevan Mulholland at Tarangama SS and Emu Park SS, Bill McDonald at Scarborough SS and Kevin Banner at Elliott Heads SS.
Clearly the goal for 2007 is to consolidate and grow from this solid foundation. I will be joining the coaching team and looking to recruit additional coaches to further improve KTF’s effectiveness.
Until then I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and summer tennis season.
Published on July 21, 2006
BY MICK SEENEY
Kids Tennis Foundation programs in sunny Queensland commenced in Term 2 to avoid the blistering heat of the Queensland summer during the early months of the year.
Five schools are in their second year with KTF. In the northern suburbs of Brisbane, students at Wooloowin State School and Windsor State School are introduced to tennis and encouraged by enthusiastic coach, Sandra Fields. Sandra works hard to promote tennis in and around the inner northern suburbs through her association with Fancutts Tennis Centre. Windsor State School’s Eileen Martin reported that the KTF program was the highlight of the week for many children. Wonderful news to hear!
KTF programs are now being conducted at two schools in central Queensland. Emu Park State School is now in its second year with KTF and Taranganba State School back again after an absence of a few years. Taranganba’s HPE teacher, Andrew Downes, is very excited about the program returning to the school this year. Coach Bevan Mulholland is looking forward to bringing the KTF program to the school and passing on his vast knowledge to the students.
Kevin Banner has commenced his programs at Elliot Heads State School near Bundaberg and looks forward to another successful year. Mark Williamson will challenge the children of Mooloolaba State School, and Scarborough State School students will have their tennis skills enhanced with Bill McDonald. Theebine State School in Mary Valley will receive the KTF program for the first time in 2006. Welcome to the KTF program! |
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