WHO WE ARE
VicTennis is proud to be one of the largest and longest standing LGBTIQ+ sporting associations in Victoria.
From humble beginnings in 1990, a love of tennis has continued to bring our players together with a community that has now grown well beyond 400 members.
Throughout the year we offer opportunities for both social hits along with team competitions and tournaments that are contested as part of the global GLTA tour.
Our large member base ensures that players of all levels can be catered for and involved in matches that will fit their abilities.
All Victennis events are inclusive and we welcome all players who belong to or support the LGBTIQ+ community. VicTennis delivers the sport we love, in the best of surroundings, with good company and positive spirits.
OUR MISSION
We aim to create a welcoming environment where players can not only master their shots but also form new friendships.
Regardless of playing standard, at VicTennis it is all about Fun, Fitness and Friendship.
WHAT WE DO
SUNDAY SOCIAL
We coordinate social tennis every Sunday at Caulfield Park Tennis Centre, with doubles matches mixed throughout the afternoon.
Read more @ VicTennis Sunday Social
WEEKNIGHT COMPETITION
For Sunday Social Members, VicTennis runs weeknight competitions throughout the year. Notification of new seasons will be sent via email to our members.
Read more @ VicTennis Weeknight Comp
TOURNAMENTS
Each year, VicTennis host a variety of tournaments in both metro and regional Victoria, with both singles and doubles draws available.
See where we're heading next in our Tournament Calendar
CLUB HISTORY
VicTennis is the largest LGBTIQ+ tennis club in Victoria and one of the longest standing LGBTIQ+ sports groups in Australia.
The club began at the Elsternwick Park Tennis Centre as the Gay Men’s Tennis Competition (GMTC), founded by Alison Leydin in 1987. The competition was composed of 6 teams of 6 players in A and B grades who would compete against each other on Monday nights and then share supper together. From the beginning, creating both a social and competitive environment was at the heart of the club.
From its roots as the GMTC, the club grew to become VicTennis and was incorporated in 1992. Ross Barnett served as the club’s first President. In addition to the Monday night competition, VicTennis offered Sunday Social tennis for all levels and all members of the LGBTIQ+ community, a yearly tournament and several social events throughout the year, including the annual Christmas Party. The club celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2017 with a gala dinner at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
Over the years, VicTennis has continued to grow and thrive thanks to the active participation of its members and the guidance of its leadership Committee. After Ross, the club has had several Presidents who have all played an important part in the success of the club: Paul Kwon, Peter Wells, Justin Samy, Billy Hinves, Michael Prionas, Rowen D’Souza, and our current President, Jamie Fakes.
The long standing Monday night comp and Sunday Social still remain and VicTennis now also offers several club and GLTA affiliated tournaments throughout the year, at locations in Melbourne and in regional Victoria. We partner with Tennis Australia to stage the GlamSlam at the AO, the only LGBTIQ+ tennis tournament to be held on-site during a Grand Slam tournament. We also continue to host social events off the courts throughout the year.
We are proud of the relationships we have built with the GLTA, Tennis Australia, Tennis Victoria and regional clubs throughout Victoria to provide playing opportunities and visibility to LGBTIQ+ tennis. However, most all we are proud to offer a welcoming, supportive and safe community where all can enjoy the sport of tennis and long lasting friendships can form. We strive to stay true to our motto of Fun, Fitness, Friendship.