Construction at the site started on Friday, June 22 and Kendall Tennis Club president said it’s an exciting development for the 350 members. 

“Our membership is the highest it’s ever been,” she said. 

“We’ve noticed a steady increase over the past six years.” 

The court construction is set to cost over $300,000 and expected to take four to six weeks to complete. 

Minister for Racing Paul Toole joined Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams in January to allocate $198,000 for the project. The club also secured grants from Tennis Australia ($28,000) and the Holiday Coast Credit Union ($5000). The club is funding the remainder of the cost. 

The club is run by hard-working volunteers, with 26 people on the committee. Wendy said on average volunteers put in 80 hours a week. 

Wendy said the new full-size court and two small Hot Shots courts will enable the club to expand its training and competition programs, particularly for young people.

The club is experiencing growing demand for its Hot Shots programs aimed at children aged four to nine.

Over 100 children attend the Kendall Tennis Club for its Friday night program. 

Kendall Tennis Club president Wendy Hudson said three extra courts will allow more children to play during training sessions and competition. It will also mean there will no longer be a waiting list for members. 

The design of the mini courts are unique. 

“We use modified balls and the smaller courts allow beginners to learn the game better,” Wendy said.  

“They are able to have more rallies to help develop their playing skills,” she said. 

The club will host a school tennis tournament for Camden Haven and Manning Valley students from year 3 and 4 in late August.