Category Archives: More Than Tennis

I have a lot to accomplish, I have nothing to prove – A year in review – 2021

I have a lot to accomplish, I have nothing to prove – A year in review – 2021

I have a lot to accomplish, I have nothing to prove – A year in review – 2021

One thing I do enjoy is writing these blogs it gives me a release of what I felt at the time.  It is great to look back at these and see how all the good, bad & ugly continues to move the wheel in this case – Tennis Canberra.

I thought 2019 was tough with the bushfires but soon after 2020 gave us Shutdown Number #1.  Both times we bounced back but after the end of 2020 the fuel indicator  was on orange.  On to 2021… The skies opened up and a fresh start was to come. Sadly, we were hit again by the pandemic and emotionally this year it really hurt – my fuel gauge was flashing red!

Restarting late in 2021 was a whirlwind trip and by the time we were up and running we needed the Christmas break to arrive.  From an internal team perspective everyone was done for the year – we really couldn’t wait for 2021 to end.

Just keep swimming…

Like Nemo’s friend Dory, floating around is not in my nature.  The only option is to keep swimming and exploring.  There are two options – I can float and I am sure things will be okay or I can continue to give it 110% even if it kills me.

“I still have a lot to accomplish but nothing to prove” – Stephen Curry 2021

This quote has stuck with me in 2021.  This has been a running battle I think many people have in their lives – whether it’s work or sport.  Proving myself to those in my industry, those I grew up with, my family and friends is sometimes gives us fuel to continue to tick boxes that we think need to be tick however, the one thing I have come to realise once you stop having to prove your worth to others the more energy you have to use for things that are important.

I am not going to say that it is an approach that was needed as I started Tennis Canberra almost 10 years ago as having that “chip on your shoulder” gives you a certain hunger to show your worth but as the years go past you certainly adapt a more internal approach to striving to impress anyone.

For that reason, I am hoping to continue to block out the noise and concentrate on the little things that can make big differences.  I think the birth of my daughter will be a constant reminder that using energy in a positive will always benefit you and those around you.

This energy has not been established in 2021 for many reasons and it wasn’t hard to see the outcome…

It’s no excuse… But it is… Being a parent is hard

Those on my instagram may have noticed a change in picture choice with Iris basically every post in 2021. Don’t get me wrong seeing Baby Iris come in to the world is by for the great thing I have experienced but being a first-time parent is bloody hard. I understand this blog is about the business but it is all interlinked.

I look at my parents a different way now and I am sure my two brothers and I were terrible kids – my mum always tells people “he was an active kids growing up”…  That is basically code for he was psycho but I have to love him.

Long story short, the energy I’ve spent learning to become a parent meant my role as a leader of the Tennis Canberra team had to take a backseat.  I did apologies to my guys at the end of the year – I just couldn’t be there this year.  I do feel bad but it is what it is and these are the up’s & down’s small businesses go through – just keep swimming,

What is to come? Your guess is as good as mine…

Predicting what is to come is like guessing if the housing boom will end.  One thing I have taking out of the last 3 years of disruption is anything can happen no matter how unlikely.  Plan A, B, C, D is not enough in these tentative times but if all things fail it is not the end of the world.

I am hoping 2022 will give us challenges that we have more control over.  Instead of a fires, I hope there is a hole in our coaching we can resolve.  Instead of a shutdown, I hope we can navigate issues of servicing full capacity sessions at a high level.  Instead of rain, I hope it only rains on Sundays so we can spend valuable time with our families.

There are two people I do want thank for 2021 – Baby Iris who is about to turn 1 this January and my partner Svits who continues to be the best mother in the world.  It has been a tough year for everyone but to have someone who gives 110% to make sure our little one has everything she needs is something that cannot be ignored.

We may have to search a little harder for the positives in 2021 but all small wins will always trump the tough times.  I’ll see you on the other side! Bring on 2022.

It started with two players and a coach – Robbie Manzano

It started with two players and a coach – Robbie Manzano

It started with two players and a coach – Robbie Manzano

This popped up in my Facebook memories today.  It started on this day 7 years ago with two players and one coach.

As I move through my busy day I could not help but reflect over the last 7 years. There has been the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  There is a physical and mental element but what really ages you is the emotional journey that you go through every week.

Running a business is not always pretty even. When everything seems to look great from the outside you are expected to be perfect in your clients eyes,  be Superman for your staff and solve problem A to Zee within days.

You deal with thousands of people with different perspectives and goals… These continually change so you are expected to change your life to make things work.

Oh, did I mention it is a 7 days a week role… Ask any business owner – holidays is work, just not on site.

Making a decision will benefit some people but it will be an issue for someone else.  Laying down the law will make things run more smoothly but annoy some people.

Letting things slide will give the perspective to others that you don’t care.  It is a lose-lose but you continue to put one foot in front of the other.

I did sign up for this and I would not change it for anything but boy its made me age beyond my years – although I don’t look it (maybe I have you be the judge).

As mentioned this photo above was the first lesson of the Tennis Canberra journey (even though it was not called Tennis Canberra back then).  These memories give me all the motivation to continue to teach, lead and learn.

I have change as a person, I don’t hide it.  I am way more serious, I have a shorter fuse and strive to be better.  I sometimes do things the hard way and think old school methods are the answer.  I really believe technology enabled us to grow to what we are today but has stopped people from learning through the grind – this is a story for another day.

Although it may sound a little depressing, I am happy. This is just a mere reflection on the journey of a small business continuing to grow from a picture taken 7 years ago.

Over the COVID shutdown, our team has survived but not without our issues.  I am so proud of our coaches but the changes in our business, the loss of staff  has amplified the small issues that may of been present pre-Covid.

In a weird way it has given me a fresh set of eyes and motivation to use this opportunity to make things better.

I love working with our team because of our diverse way of thinking.  Yes, it may clash with our common goal but I think it will only make for a better product moving forward – or it may come crashing down.

If I were to do everything myself, what we currently have would be impossible. I am grateful for the Tennis Canberra team, from the casual coach who does 1 or 2 hours a week to our full-time coach managers who help me everyday.

I do not base decisions for just myself anymore but I always have my coaches I mind.  It is additional stress but as I said I signed up for it.

I get a kick out of my tennis family achieving big goals and I give them every opportunity to fulfil their personal dreams as I am living mine (it’s not perfect but I am happy).

I just look back at all the great people I’ve met. I’ve seen some kids that started 6 or 7 years a go grow up.  There has been instances where I’ve been at a bar and a random person has come up to me saying “you were my tennis coach”.  Now I understand how primary teachers feels- respect.

On behalf of our Tennis Canberra family, those who have experienced some memories with us I hope they keep you warm this Winter.  There are many more memories to come and I can always find comfort in our humble community.

Look after one another,

Robbie

Junior Program - ACT - Toddler Tennis Canberra - ACT - Kids

How you can support Tennis Canberra during the COVID-19 shutdown

How you can support Tennis Canberra during the COVID-19 shutdown

How you can support Tennis Canberra during the COVID-19 shutdown

Our Tennis Canberra team is determined to ride out this pandemic. From battling smoke, hail and rain it feels like we’ve been “down a break” before the year even started.

Our coaches could just laugh during the hail storm, while watching our cars get destroyed. We could just ask ourselves what was coming next? An earthquake was my guess…  A pandemic was not even a thought at the time but watching COVID-19 shutdown our business in a space of 3 days. It left us feeling empty, stressed and confused.  It was the silent storm that took the country off-guard.

For most our current Tennis Canberra coaches the goal is to return to the community we love but we face some obstacles ahead.  Restarting our programs will not be like pressing the unpause button.  We will need to re-energise, restructure and rebuild our humble community from the bottom-up.

Over the last week our team has been overwhelmed with messages of support.  Your love is enough to give us the motivation to continue the daily grind.  Like Rafa, Ash Barty and Lleyton Hewitt we are going to take inspiration from them to work even harder during the toughest of times.

HOW YOU CAN HELP… FROM LITTLE THINGS BIG THINGS GROW

Cashflow is the major factor in the Tennis Canberra  fallout from COVID-19.  We are hoping we can limit the structural and financial losses.  As mentioned in previous updates, a couple of our coaches are not eligible for Government assistance as they are on a Temporary Visa (we really hope this rule changes but we are not holding our breath). For this reason, our team has decided looking after Coaches Pedro & Sam as our top priority as they are the future of Tennis Canberra.

We thank all those who have offered to donate funds or telling us to keep the remaining lessons that we haven’t completed.  As much as we may need these breaks we believe that if you have paid for our services we will  follow-through and complete these remaining sessions in due time.  Just be ready to hit the courts when we have the green-light. We love what we do an no money will change our passion for coaching a sport we love.

The best way to help our team is to support the “Tennis Canberra services” listed below or Pre-purchase a 2020 Spring Coaching Season Package.

Junior Program - ACT - Toddler Tennis Canberra - ACT - Kids

PRE-PURCHASE SPRING 2020 COACHING PROGRAM

  • Start Date: August 24 – December 20th
  • 15-week season
  • Junior & Adult Coaching Groups
  • Walk-To-Tennis: After-school Pick Up Program Available (Selected Schools)

Not only will this help manage cashflow during the shut down it will help us plan to make a seamless transition back on to the court.

We sincerely thank you for your support and will work extremely hard to run even better lessons when we get the green light.

Most of the sessions listed in the 2020 SPRING Season have a high chance of going ahead however, it is subject to change pending on the COVID-19 fluid situation.

SIGN UP FOR A SPRING COACHING PROGRAM

Private Lesson – One-on-one Personal Training

At this present time one-on-one Private Lessons are the only on court service we can run.  We are hoping that this service can help those who use tennis to increase their physical, mental and emotional health.  These sessions will be under strict COVID-19 guidelines and will be offered in-line with Tennis Australia’s advice.

  • 1-hour Private Lessons – $80
  • 1-hour Private Lesson (x2 a week) – $70
  • 1-hour Private Lesson (x3 a week) – $60
  • 1-hour Two Player Split Private (30 mins each) – $80 ($40 each)
  • 1.5-hour Two Player Split Private (45 mins each) – $110 ($55 each)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO BOOK YOUR A PRIVATE LESSON

RACQUET & RESTRING – PICK-UP & DROP-OFF HOME SERVICE 

Restringing

Due to the fact our coaches are off court we have a lot of time to service your racquet.  Our restringing service includes – restring, re-grip, racquet clean plus *PICK UP & DROP OFF to your Canberra home

Racquets & Home Sporting Equipment

Need a new racquet to hit against the wall? Or do you need a mini court set up. We sell sporting equipment for you to stay fit. *We can arrange drop off to your door!

*We ask to leave a google review, send a photo for our social media or upload a photo enjoying thanking your Tennis Canberra coach. This service will only be available during the on-court COVID-19 shutdown.

CLICK HERE TO ORGANISE A RESTRING
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE TENNIS CANBERRA SHOP

PRE-PURCHASE TENNIS CANBERRA “The Return” PLAYERS SHIRT

New decade, new beginnings.  With a fresh new logo launched early in the year we knew 2020 was going to be one to remember.  We’ve always wanted to do this but never had the time but we want all our players to wear Tennis Canberra on their heart.

We are in the process of designing a special 2020 players shirt.  It will take inspiration from the events from 2020 and the new life Tennis Canberra will have once we return to the courts later in the year.

More information to come…

Suspension of all Coaching, Competitions & Events – COVID-19 UPDATE

Suspension of all Coaching, Competitions & Events – COVID-19 UPDATE

Suspension of all Coaching, Competitions & Events – COVID-19 UPDATE

As you know Tuesday March 24th the Federal Government has imposed stricter guidelines within the community.  For this reason, all Tennis Canberra Coaching Groups, Social Competition and Junior Competition will be SUSPENDED for the foreseeable future.

Although Tennis Australia has given us the green light to manage small coaching groups the only service our Tennis Canberra coaches will be providing are Private Lessons of no more than 3 players and will follow strict on court and venue guideline.

Private lesson will give a select few Tennis Canberra coaches to make a small income for basic needs.

BOOK A PRIVATE LESSON – CLICK HERE

Which programs are suspended?

Coaching

  • Junior Coaching Groups & Squads (Level 1-7)
  • WALK-TO-TENNIS: AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP PROGRAM
  • Adult Skills (Starter – Advance)
  • Cardio Tennis

Competitions

  • Adult Social Doubles
  • Adult Social Singles
  • Kids Hot Shots Match Play
  • ACT Junior Team Tennis

Upcoming Events

  • Tennis Education Camp (March 30th – April 9th)
  • Kids Holiday Camps (April 15th – April 24th)

Court Hire

  • Old Parliament House Tennis Club
  • Please visit other Tennis Canberra clubs directly as they are managed by independent committees CLICK HERE

Do I get credit for the remaining sessions left in my package?

Of course.  Most of our Summer/Autumn Coaching Programs and Competitions have 1-7  sessions left. Tennis Canberra will credit these sessions which can be used within 1 year from when we have the all clear to resume our groups and competitions.

When will I be able to re-join?

Once Tennis Australia allows us to run larger groups we will start coaching programs 1-week after restrictions lift.

Players will be able to re-join when we resume coaching programs or within a year from our restart date.

As competitions takes about a month to promote and organise competitions will be active one-month after restrictions lift.

Below are ideal dates we would like resume but it will obviously be dictated by Tennis Australia.

  • April 28th, (Term 2, Week 1)
  • May 11th, (Term 2, Week 3)
  • May 25th (Term 2, Week 5)
  • June 9th (Term 2, Week 7)
  • June 22nd (Term 2, Week 9)
  • July 20th (Term 3, Week 1)
  • August 3rd (Term 3, Week 3)
  • August 17th (Term 3, Week 5)

The Initial Tennis Canberra Fallout from COVID-19

It does hurt not to get on the court today and it was harder to tell all our coaches we would not be on court for the foreseeable future.  I got a couple hours of sleep knowing that today was going to be the day we suspend our regular groups.

Our team has dealt with fire & smoke, hail & rain but nothing would prepare us for a shutdown with no return date.

It has been an extremely long week starting Sunday 6pm.  Once announcements were made about limiting activities to outdoors and the closure of state boarders two coaches – Maddie and Andjela went back to their interstate home to be with family.

In four-days our humble team has suffered a huge blow and no Government support will see our small business come out the other side unscathed.  Two of our coaches Pedro and Sam are on a temporary visas and for this reason will not receive any Government support.  Pedro’s partner also lost their job and if one of coaches are hurting we all hurt with them.

Our primary goal over the next 1-6 months is to look these two as are unbelievable and passionate coaches and the future of Tennis Canberra.  If you do want to get on court for a weekly or casual private please get in touch.  The little income from privates lessons will give them the basics – rent and food.

We will do our best to stay motivated, use this time to learn more about our trade and build a better service as we know that it means so much to everyone.  Our tennis family is something special we have so many friends and everlasting memories.

We will continue to be in touch over the tough period. I thank you for all your support and wish you and your family greater health.

Robbie & the Tennis Canberra Team

Junior Program - ACT - Toddler Tennis Canberra - ACT - Kids

Tennis & Education Camps – Can’t leave your kids at home?

Tennis & Education Camps – Can’t leave your kids at home?

Tennis & Education Camps – Can’t leave your kids at home?

The decision to go pupil-free from Tuesday March 24th to the rest of Term 1 has put some parents into a spin.  As outdoor activities are set to continue momentarily our team would like to help.

Tennis Canberra’s “Tennis Education Camps” are the help parents who cannot leave their kids at home or supervise them due to work constraints.

Our team will be offering Full-Day & Half-Day Tennis-Education Camps starting Monday March 30th until the end of Term 1 Thursday April 9th.

All sessions will be outside and run similar to our Tennis Canberra Holiday Camps. We are planing to add reading time, chance to catch up with homework and similar schools activities to mix up the day – all outdoors of course.

  • Venue: Old Parliament House Tennis Club Gardens
  • Daily, 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day Packages available
  • Strict COVID-19 Guidelines will apply
  • Sessions will only go head only when there is no rain predicted as we cannot bring them indoors (please have a contingency plan).

Tennis-Education Day Camp Packages

Full-Day (8:30-5pm)

Half-Day (8:30am-12:30pm)

Half-Day (1pm – 5pm)

  • Daily: $80
  • 3-Day Package: $200
  • 4-Day Package: $250
  • 5-Day Package:$300
  • Daily: $70
  • 3-Day Package: $150
  • 4-Day Package: $200
  • 5-Day Package:$250

Important: All packages are to be used within a camp week as our team will only run this service if we have enough participants. See all camp dates below:

Camp Dates:

  • Tennis-School Camp #1: March 30th – May 3rd (Monday-Friday)
  • Tennis-School Camp #2: April 6th-9th (Monday-Thursday)
Please Reserve Your Session Online*

* We need a minimum of 6 players in total per day to run these sessions. Cash payment on the first day of attendance as we do not have EFTPOS facilities.

What to bring?

  • Own Tennis Gear – If you do not have a racquet we can arrange one to purchase
  • Homework – If applicable
  • A book to read
  • Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Snacks
  • Coloured pencils

How a typical Tennis-School Day Camp may look like:

  • 8:30 – 9pm (Half-Day Morning & Full-Day Drop-Off)
  • 9am – 9:45am: On Court Session 1
  • 9:45am – 10:30am: Reading/Homework/Art/Problem Solving (in the gardens)
  • 10:30am – 11am: Morning Snack
  • 11am – 11:45am: On Court Session 2
  • 11:45am – 12:30pm: Reading/Homework/Art/Problem Solving (in the gardens)
  • 12:30 – 1:30pm Lunch (Half-Day Afternoon Drop-off & Morning Half-Day Pick Up
  • 1:30pm – 2:15pm – On Court Session 3
  • 2:15pm – 3pm – Reading/Homework/Art/Problem Solving (in the gardens)
  • 3pm – 3:45pm – On Court Sessions 4
  • 3:45pm – 4:30pm -Reading/Homework/Art/Problem Solving (in the gardens)
  • 4:30pm – 5pm – Parent Club Pick Up

COVID 19 Update – Sunday March 22nd – Please Review

COVID 19 Update – Sunday March 22nd – Please Review

COVID 19 Update – Sunday March 22nd – Please Review

Hi Tennis Canberra Family,

With a major update from our Local and Federal Governments on Sunday March 22nd we want to be clear that the current status on Tennis Canberra programs will be fluid and can change on short notice.

Most Tennis Canberra Programs will continue for now. However, we will be adjusting some classes and competitions as some of our coaches are going back to their interstate residences before State boarders close.

We understand that everyone will have their own opinion on this matter but we will continue to comply with the measures currently put in place by our Federal and State Governments.

We encourage everyone to do what is best for them and their family and to please respect everyone’s personal decisions.

Tennis Australia has announced tennis is a low risk activity: it is outdoors, non-contact and  social distancing can be achieved.

Our goal while we are on court is to help people stay physically fit and emotionally healthy.  The Tennis Canberra team will put health first and understand if you do not feel comfortable with being on court at this present time do not stress  – we will place your program on hold and you can use this as credit when you are ready to return,

Please read all the program information and points as they will be relevant to you.

Group Lessons – Adults & Junior Lessons

  • Reducing the number of players in each class to 4-6 per coach (transitional period March 23-29th)
  • Additional classes will be held to achieve this ratio plus help us rearrange classes as 2 of our coaches have gone back to their interstate homes to be with family before the state boarders close.

Tuesday & Wednesday Social Doubles & Social Singles

ACT TEAM TENNIS & KIDS HOT SHOTS MATCH PLAY

HOLIDAY PROGRAM – April 6-9th (Week 1) & April 14-17th (Week 2)

  • Tennis Canberra plans to hold our April Camps, adding an additional day to both programs
  • Small groups (6-8 players) will be applied both on and off court
  • Limited spots available CLICK HERE TO RESERVE A SPOT

SCHOOL PICK UP PROGRAM – More information to come

  • Monday March 23 North Ainslie Walk will go ahead as planned (e-mail has been sent – reply if your kid is not attending)
  • Walks on and after Tuesday March 24th is pending the final announcement on optional attendance of school for the rest of the term (stay tuned as our local and federal government as different messages at present)

2020 Royal Canberra Show: Kristen & Nige’s Showbag

2020 Royal Canberra Show: Kristen & Nige’s Showbag

2020 Royal Canberra Show: Kristen & Nige’s Showbag

You are one of the lucky ones to purchase a Kristen and Nige’s 2020 Show-bag  at the 2020 Royal Canberra Show. 

Tennis Canberra donated 1000 FREE tennis sessions with all show-bag proceeds going towards the Give Me 5 for Kids Foundation. We hope this helps!

Please activate your voucher and  book in a session by clicking the button below.

Your Give me 5 for kids tennis voucher is valid for the following sessions

Kids Tennis Group Lesson

  • Level 1 (Ages 4-5)
  • Level 2, 3 or 4 (Ages 6-16)

Adult Tennis Group Lessons

  • Adults Skills (Starter, Beginner, Intermediate or Advance)
  • Cardio Tennis

Mini Sports Sessions: Multi-sports

  • Ages (2-4 years)
BOOK NOW - ACTIVATE YOUR VOUCHER

Be sure to double-check the date, time & venue of your booked session.

ACT School Telopea Park Primary wins Todd Woodbridge Cup

Canberra Tennis Coach - ACT - Telopea Park Primary

ACT School Telopea Park Primary wins Todd Woodbridge Cup

ACT School Telopea Park Primary wins Todd Woodbridge Cup

Telopea Park School became first ACT school to win the Todd Woodbridge Cup at Sydney Olympic Park on Monday.

Telopea Park won the ACT finals in September to face 19 regional-winning schools from across NSW and swept their pool before taking down St Patrick’s Albury in the final.

Tennis Canberra Coach Robbie Manzano and his team had trained the school for five months before the event.

For the full story Click Here

 

Tennis Canberra serves up an ace: by Brand Canberra

CBR Canberra

Tennis Canberra serves up an ace: by Brand Canberra

Tennis Canberra serves up an ace: by Brand Canberra

It’s official – Australia has got tennis fever. With the Open kicking off in Melbourne this week, fans across the nation are rallying behind born and bred Canberran, Nick Kyrgios, as he stakes his claim to the title… Full article click here

Credit: Brand Canberra

 

Christmas Party Update – Pending Weather – Saturday December 2nd

Tennis Canberra

Christmas Party Update – Pending Weather – Saturday December 2nd

Christmas Party Update – Pending Weather – Saturday December 2nd

Friday 2:28pm – Saturday December 2nd is scheduled to rain.  Unfortunately this is the day of our Christmas Party.  We are going to give it every chance to go ahead however if we cancel due to wet weather you will need to check this link.

If we do cancel we still want to celebrate and will host a Summer Party in January or early February as we still want to say thank you to everyone in the Tennis Canberra family.

For now lets cross our fingers and toes and hope that the weather holds off.