Montville’s tiny tennis club keeps attracting players and hitting winners

Conditions today, above, have improved since the 60s, below, at the club on land that was once a pineapple farm.

Early last year Montville Tennis Club – established in 1925 from an old pineapple farm on Jinibara country – was revitalised.

It was upgraded with synthetic grass tennis courts, some new court lighting and a wonderful new tennis pavilion.

The fresh energy inspired a throng of new people to get involved, play tennis for the first time or – after having been away from tennis – to have coaching and be part of an active and vibrant community.

Since then, the club’s numbers have expanded and late last year Queensland’s oldest tennis club, The Range Tennis Club of Toowoomba, played a competitive social tournament in Montville.  

Toowoomba carried the day and took home with them the perpetual trophy, The Passionate Clubs Cup.  

The courts are in use every day of the week, either by visitors, by local school children and adults having tennis coaching, by parents after school drop-off, or by locals forming social groups.  The pavilion is even used by a group of local musos for jam sessions while their children are having tennis lessons.  

President’s Cup this weekend

On Sunday March 27 from 12.30pm to 4pm, the Club is holding its annual President’s Cup. Players from Montville and Mapleton Tennis Clubs will compete, with the winner’s name being inscribed on the club’s Honour Board.

It will be a fun affair with lunch under the roof of the lovely pavilion built with the history of the village and the club itself in mind.  A paella lunch, a drink and a hit of tennis for just $25 per person – but you do need to book and pay before the day.

If the cup day is not for you, but you would like to give tennis a try again, bring your friends and come join the players for a Sunday morning hit, 9am to 11am. Bring your racquets and tennis shoes and get into the swing of it.  Sunday social tennis is relaxed and caters to all capabilities.  It’s a great way to finish your week.

Any profits will go to planned upgrades of the facilities including lighting, improved fencing, court surface remediation and an online booking system.  If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the club go to https://asf.org.au/donate/montville-tennis-club-rejuvenation

If you would like more information, or if you would like to come along to the President’s Cup, email the club Secretary, Lisa Green at montvilletennisclub1925@gmail.com