History

University of Newcastle Tennis Club

The UON Tennis Club is a not-for-profit club committed to providing the students, staff, graduates and friends of the University of Newcastle with a range of tennis opportunities. We run a number of competitive and social events each semester for our members to enjoy. We cater for all levels of players from the absolute beginners to the lifelong competitors.

History

The club was reformed in 2011 by Natasha Gehrke, operating from the small clubhouse on the University of Newcastle Callaghan campus. At this time, the club had only 4 synthetic grass courts, two asphalt courts and approximately 40 members.

In 2013, following the closure and eventual demolition of the campus courts to make way for the new student accommodation, the club was forced to relocate. Since this time, the club has utilised the Broadmeadow Tennis Courts, currently leased by Topspin Tennis, for its major competitive events. The complex boasts 23 synthetic grass courts and a single hard court. All courts have lights and are in good condition.

Since relocating, the club has grown significantly. In comparison to the approximate 40 members of 2011, membership numbers reached an all-time high in 2017, with 220 members. This is a number that we as a club are hoping to improve in 2024, and into the future!

Competitive Events

Our club runs a number of competitive events throughout the year for our members. Our main fixture is the Monday Night Social Comp which operated at capacity in Semester 1 2024 with 88 players. We also run a number of smaller events including the Club Championships and Interclub Challenge Days. Our club is also responsible for conducting team try-outs and subsequent team selection for both the Eastern and Australian University Games. For more information on any of these of events, click on the "Competitions" tab in the menu above and follow the links, or contact:

Issy Baccarini (President): isabelle.baccarini@uon.edu.au

Club Administration: uontclub@gmail.com

Social Events

The Club’s social calendar has recently received a bit of a facelift, with a new focus on building the social membership base, there will be more social competitions, more social events, and even a small nose job for the pre-established club inclusions. 

This is a purely social event, with all club members welcome to participate regardless of whether you are a pro or have never held a racquet before. For a full list of the goodies we have planned this year, please click on the “social calendar” tab above. If you need any assistance regarding social events, please contact:

Francesca Moretti (Social Convenor): francesca.moretti@uon.edu.au

The UON Tennis Club and NUsport

As a University of Newcastle sporting club, the Tennis Club is affiliated with NUsport. NUsport is responsible for developing and maintaining sport and recreational services for the University and its communities. As such, the UON Tennis Club is insured and partially financially supported by NUsport.

Awards

We are proudly the 2018, 2017 & 2016 winners of the 'Sports Club of the Year' award, recognising our outstanding achievements as a club within the university. As a result, we have many new and familiar faces that sign up each semester, ready for fun Monday nights full of tennis and social engagement!

Member Protection Policy

The University of Newcastle has adopted Tennis Australia's Member Protection Policy for the wellbeing of our members. To read more about the MPP: https://www.tennis.com.au/nsw/files/2019/02/TA-Member-Protection-Policy-201.pdf