Blacktown’s tennis partnership thrives in Western Sydney

While the tennis world focussed on Australia for the early weeks of 2023, Blacktown City Council’s Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope and Blacktown Tennis Incorporated (BTI) have continued to build on the popularity of tennis in the local community and produce tennis talent for the future.

Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale advised “it is wonderful to see our tennis centre working collaboratively with BTI over such a long period, providing our residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds with the opportunity to play tennis and become the best they can be.”

BTI (formerly Blacktown & District Tennis association) was formed in 1924 and has a long history of promoting tennis to the local community. Since the Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope opened its 16 Plexicushion courts in 2016, Council and BTI have worked together with Tennis NSW to create programs and competitions for all ages and abilities.

Over the years, BTI and its coaches have been responsible for a number of highly ranked junior and adult players and Elton Stoney, Tennis Team Leader at Stanhope is continuing a fine tradition of focusing on junior development.

BTI coach, Geoff Brackin’s focus on youth led to unprecedented success at both state and national level and also produced multiple national age and junior ranked players, such as Donna McIntyre, Chris Reardon and Truscott Lee.

Former BTI member, Garry Thoroughgood, reached number 2 on the International Tennis Federation singles rankings in 2011 and played as a representative for Australia in the World Team Championships in Austria in 2012.

Since 2016, Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope has been ‘home’ to BTI’s competitions and the partnership with the Centre sees BTI members benefiting from discounted access to the courts and other centre services throughout the year.

BTI Honorary Secretary, Yvonne Tucker added “we want to encourage everyone in the Blacktown local government area to play tennis.

“Our partnership with Council in providing tennis playing and coaching opportunities will, I hope and believe, see some of our young people go on to star at the Australian Open in years to come.”

Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope is open seven days a week for casual use, training and competition.

Images: Blacktown Tennis Centre Stanhope (top) and Elton Stoney, Team Leader at Blacktown Tennis Centre with Yvonne Tucker, Honorary Secretary of Blacktown Tennis Incorporated (below).