Gardiner Tennis Club serving up active fun for everyone

Published on 30 May 2022

Nestled between Monash Freeway and the Glen Waverley train line lies Gardiner Tennis Club.

One of Stonnington’s hidden sporting gems, it has a rich history and strong culture of accessibility for anyone who wants to give tennis a try.

Founded in 1920 as the St Andrews Gardiner Tennis Club, the club moved across a number of locations before settling into is current spot.

Club president Kaylene Ellis has been at the helm of the club since 2016 and has inclusion at the top of her list.

“My main focus was originally building the junior program. Now, six years on, I would like to be part of building many new programs for all ages, genders, nationalities and abilities.

“In the future I would like to implement more programs that include wheelchairs, sight impaired people and young mums and bubs or toddlers," Kaylene said.

With a female president and coach, and a strong participation rate among girls and women across competition and social games, Gardiner Tennis Club is a shining example of how beneficial sport can be when it welcomes the whole community.

The club also partners with the Special Olympics, with fortnightly sessions for juniors and monthly sessions for adults, and Sport4All, which provides participation opportunities for people with disability, while supporting clubs and grassroots organisations to deliver inclusive sport.

“It enables our club to go to a new level of inclusiveness in our community with the benefit of people who know how to run appropriate programs that are fun and enjoyable to attend,” Kaylene added.

The club always welcomes new members and is easily accessible via all modes of transport. If you’re thinking of trying something new, why not give tennis a go?