Celebrating 100 Years of Community Tennis at Maccabi Tennis Club
A bumper crowd of almost 300 people was in attendance at the Leon Haskin Tennis Centre in Bentleigh East as Maccabi Tennis Club celebrated 100 years of community tennis on Sunday, 17 March 2024.
A warm and sunny day greeted all attendees, befitting for the occasion. An exhibition match was played between six-time Club Champion and former Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, and 2023 Club Champion, James Oklander.
Exhibition match between Josh Frydenberg and James Oklander
Photo courtesy: AJN/Peter Haskin
The tennis courts were a hive of activity and pop-up pickleball courts also created a buzz. There was a carnival atmosphere as past players reconnected and reminisced, while families revelled in the festivities.
A centenary plaque was presented by Tennis Victoria in honour of the milestone.
Jim Lekkas from Tennsi Victoria presentating 100 Year plaqueto Ryan Behr and Adam Needleman
Photo courtesy: AJN/Peter Haskin
There was also a serve radar, coaching activities run by Trademark Tennis and Asaf Nagar (Maccabi Tennis Club Head Coach) and food and drinks.
Master of Ceremonies Adam Needleman (Maccabi Tennis Club Pennant Secretary) introduced speeches by Nick Staikos MP (the local Member for Bentleigh), David Southwick MP (the Member for Caulfield), Dean Mohr (Co-President of Maccabi Victoria), Ryan Behr (Maccabi Tennis Club President), Eva de Jong-Duldig (Life Member and former tennis professional) and Clive Fredman (Life Member). Glen Eira Councillors Sam Parasol and Anne-Marie Cade (Mayor) were also present.
In the past 18 months, Maccabi Tennis Club has upgraded to LED lights and installed the Tennis Australia Book A Court system, enabling casual court hire at the click of a button and improving the playing experience with brighter lights for night-time play. The Maccabi Tennis Club Committee plan to invest in court resurfacing and additional lighting in the coming years.
Photo courtesy: Saul Muscatel
Maccabi Tennis Club President Behr expressed hope that this milestone would “inspire the next generation of players to join and contribute their unique talents to the rich tapestry of our club's history”.
If you are interested in playing tennis at Maccabi Tennis Club, please email tennis.VIC@maccabi.com.au