The Benalla and District Tennis Association (BDTA) is preparing for another big summer of competition, with a new president at the helm and an exciting change to the format that promises to keep more players on court.

Incoming president and Euroa local, David Vaughan said he was looking forward to stepping into the role when the season begins on 11 October.

“There’s a bit of responsibility to make sure the association is run properly and that tennis remains the main focus of the association,” Vaughan said.

“First I need to get my head around it and second, surround myself with good people and that’s the secret to success.”

This season, the BDTA will feature nine towns fielding teams, with clubs given the choice between the traditional six-person format (three men and three women) or a newly introduced four-person open gender competition.

Vaughan said the change was about keeping tennis strong across the district.

“I don’t think there will be too much change other than the introduction of the four person open gender competition to cater for teams finding it hard to field numbers.

"It keeps the comp alive.”

The competition will once again be split into two divisions.

A strong committee behind the scenes

Vaughan will be supported by a committed group of volunteers, including Vice President Geoff Fleming (Swanpool), Secretary Mick Levy (Benalla Gardens) with assistance from Mark McDonald, and Treasurer Paula Hales (Violet Town).

He said keeping tennis thriving at a grassroots level would be a major priority.

“Community involvement is very important of course, and tennis is fabulous at fostering community with the benefits of participation, health, competition, and getting together with others,” Vaughan said.

“We’ll be running a free tennis clinic during the next school holidays to encourage the younger generation to come and try tennis.

We have to work hard at getting kids involved and getting them to love the game.”

Free clinics, word of mouth, and coverage in local press are key strategies Vaughan hopes will keep momentum building.

The BDTA also welcomes Nagambie back into the competition this year, a sign of growth and renewed interest.

For Strathbogie, the 2025-26 season marks a milestone.

Club president Craig Mercuri confirmed the club will field two teams for the first time.

One in the new four-player format and one in the traditional six player competition.

“In response to the BDTA trialing a new format, we’ll have one team that has just four players and another team that has the usual six players."

Mercuri added that the shorter format is designed to be accessible and enjoyable.

“It will be a good standard, so grab five mates and form a team.

You’ll play on hard court, lawn, and synthetic grass, and you’ll play between Benalla and Strathbogie, so not a lot of travel.”

Last year, Strathbogie narrowly missed out in the grand final, but Mercuri said the club had come back motivated and ready to go one better.

The club has also seen steady growth, with new families joining for social and junior tennis programs.

Last season, coach Maizi Walsh ran the first Hot Shots program, with 25 kids aged five to twelve participating.

The program will return this summer, alongside Cardio Tennis sessions and private coaching.

“Tennis is a sport that you can play for your whole life and we love seeing lots of different people of varying ages on the court having fun together,” Mercuri said.

“Start with a Thursday night social hit and see how you go, we’ve got spare racquets and plenty of balls.

"All ages and standards are welcome.”

With Euroa Tennis Club embarking on entering more teams than ever into the Shepparton competition and Strathbogie, Nagambie, and other towns boosting their player numbers locally, tennis is clearly thriving across the Strathbogie region.