The Sunshine Valley Gazette

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Tennis a smashing path to fun

New Coach Wesley with President Robyn Combes, Angus McEwan, Lachie Ross, Sebastian Hitzman and Eliza McEwan.

As families look for healthy and safe ways to enjoy the great outdoors, tennis continues to stand out as a fun sport that suits a variety of ages.

Palmwoods Tennis Club provides a picturesque setting with six synthetic grass floodlit courts and refurbished original clubhouse

There’s plenty of seating areas for visitors, families and friends, and the courts are available to hire by the general public as well as five social tennis sessions.

President Robyn Combes said the club continues to follow hygiene and social distancing measures as per Tennis Queensland, council and government recommendations while also being in the process of making online and mobile bookings easier.

“I love tennis, it’s a great feeling to be out under the open sky running around hitting a ball and having a good rally,” she said. 

“When I started playing social tennis 20 years ago I had only played a bit of tennis in high school; thankfully everyone was helpful and supportive and I improved with time. 

“The really nice thing that I appreciate so much from playing tennis is the friends I have made, especially given all age groups are able to play at Palmwoods Tennis Club as long as you can hold a racquet.

“Tennis is a great physical activity for any age and it is a very social game too, with plenty of opportunities to catch up, chat and have a laugh.”

Coaching is an integral part of the club, covering students as young as five and instilling a love of tennis into future generations.

Palmwoods Tennis Club has been pleased to welcome coach Wesley while regular coach Neil Heyme is away.

Wesley’s passion for tennis is clear, having played since he was six years old and competed in state championships before beginning coaching in 1996, completing extensive training since then.

Wesley said his career as a coach was very rewarding, achieving great success with both children and adults, working with competitive players as well as helping students with down syndrome and underprivileged children and also working with competitive players.

“Success is achieving my life goals,” he said. “For me it is about being faithful to what I believe and to my values and respecting everyone. Doing what I love every day and helping people to improve their lives.”

• For more information check out the  website play.tennis.com.au/palmwoodstennisclub.