By Mike Bennett, President of Tennis Alberta
As we approach the end of 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the key milestones and achievements this year, while also looking ahead to the future growth of tennis in Alberta. It has been an exciting and transformative year for our sport, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together as a community.
Leadership and Team Growth
In 2024, we welcomed a new Executive Director and a dedicated team to Tennis Alberta. This new leadership team has placed a strong emphasis on transparency while delivering more tournaments, events, and support for our tennis community. Through their efforts, we have worked closely with clubs across the province to better align with their needs and strengthen our relationships with the broader tennis community.
Stronger Partnerships
A major highlight this year was the formation of a new relationship with the Osten & Victor Tennis Centre. This partnership has secured vital funding that will benefit the Alberta tennis community for years to come. Through increased resources, we’ve been able to expand our tournament offerings and improve programs, ultimately providing more opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. We are excited about the long-term impact this relationship will have in elevating tennis across the province.
National Collaboration with Tennis Canada
Tennis Alberta has also made significant strides in working more closely with our national governing body, Tennis Canada. We’ve aligned on several key initiatives to grow and elevate the sport at both the provincial and national levels. These include grassroots programming, high-performance development, and women’s tennis. Additionally, we are collaborating on projects to build more tennis courts in communities and schools across Alberta, helping to attract new players to the sport and ensure its future growth.
A Growing Sport in Alberta
Thanks to the efforts of our clubs and dedicated volunteers, tennis has become one of the fastest-growing sports in Canada. I want to take a moment to thank all the clubs across Alberta for their hard work in generating new programs and hosting tournaments. Your commitment is truly making a difference and is a testament to the passion for the sport in our province.
A New Board and a New Vision
This year also marked the introduction of a new board, focused on fostering a more collaborative and transparent approach to decision-making. Our goal is to ensure that Tennis Alberta continues to grow and thrive for years to come. To that end, we are working on a five-year strategic plan that will help us create one of the strongest tennis communities in Canada. We are also reviewing our bylaws and policies to ensure we remain responsive to the evolving needs of all Albertans.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we look toward 2025 and beyond, we are energized by the opportunities ahead. The work we’ve done this year has laid a solid foundation for even greater achievements in the years to come. We remain committed to growing the sport of tennis in Alberta by offering more opportunities for players, strengthening our partnerships, and ensuring that tennis remains accessible to all.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our clubs, players, volunteers, and the entire tennis community for your continued support and passion for the game. It is your dedication that makes our sport so vibrant and successful.
Mike Bennett
President, Tennis Alberta
