In this episode, host Lauren chats with Emma Wells, the UK's largest female tennis court operator and the first international female Director of the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR). Emma has built an impressive city-wide tennis operation across London, managing 25 public park venues and more than 130 tennis courts, with a mission to make tennis accessible to everyone. Emma shares her journey from acquiring her first tennis venue to building a thriving community-focused business in the heart of London. Emma also talks about her connection with the Victorian Tennis Academy, her recent visit to Melbourne for the Australian Open Conference, and her upcoming first book. Along the way, we hear what inspired Emma to become a tennis coach and what she is most proud of when she looks at her business today. In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Emma's journey into tennis coaching and business
• Building a tennis operation across London's public parks
• Making tennis accessible to new and underrepresented players
• Women in leadership and the importance of female representation

Check out Emma's new book GRIT: Building a Business, Leading with Purpose here If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with your fellow tennis community. Stay connected with the Victorian Tennis Academy! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the Victorian Tennis Academy, explore our programs, or book a free junior trial lesson, visit www.victennisacademy.com.au. VTA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded on.

In this episode, host Lauren chats with Associate Professor David Chong, a highly respected plastic and reconstructive surgeon, VTA tennis player, and passionate volunteer who has dedicated much of his career to training cleft surgeons and supporting healthcare initiatives in lower-middle-income countries.

David shares his journey into medicine, what motivates him to give back, and the impact he is most proud of throughout his career. Alongside his work, David talks about his love of tennis and the important role it plays in maintaining balance and wellbeing.

Whether you're interested in medicine, global volunteer work, or simply how tennis can fit into a busy life, this episode offers an inspiring insight into David's career, passions and connection to the game.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• David's tennis journey at VTA
• Balancing life as a surgeon and tennis player
• How tennis supports his wellbeing
• His career in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
• His experiences training cleft surgeons across the world

You can watch Samba's Mercy Ships journey here

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with your fellow tennis community.

Stay connected with the Victorian Tennis Academy! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

To learn more about the Victorian Tennis Academy, explore our programs, or book a free junior trial lesson, visit www.victennisacademy.com.au.

VTA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded on.

In this episode, host Lauren chats with Charlie Corsini, Head of the Adult Program at Fawkner Park Tennis Centre. They explore how VTA is getting more adults on court, building confidence, and creating a community around tennis. From finding the right playing pathway to the popularity of VTA's adult programs, Charlie provides an insight into what makes adult tennis successful. He also talks about the important role that community and social tennis play in keeping players connected and engaged. Whether you're new to tennis, returning to the sport, or already part of the VTA community, this episode offers an inside look at how we're creating more opportunities for adults to get on court and be part of the game. In this episode, you'll hear about:

• How Charlie first discovered Victorian Tennis Academy
• His journey into leading the adult program at Fawkner Park
• The biggest opportunities he identified within the adult program
• How players can find the right tennis pathway for their goals
• The most popular aspects of VTA's adult program
• The role of community and social tennis in keeping adults engaged
• Charlie's vision and ideas for the future of adult tennis at VTA

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with your fellow tennis community. Stay connected with the Victorian Tennis Academy! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the Victorian Tennis Academy, explore our programs, or book a free junior trial lesson, visit www.victennisacademy.com.au. VTA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded.

Welcome back to the VTA Courtside Podcast! In this episode, host Lauren sits down with Victorian Tennis Academy Director Tina Keown to discuss her journey into leadership, the evolution of the Academy, and the values that continue to shape VTA's culture. Tina reflects on her pathway to becoming Director, how the Academy has grown over the years, and the pivotal moments that have contributed to its success. She also shares what she's most proud of, the conversations she hopes this podcast will inspire, and her vision for the future of Victorian Tennis Academy. Whether you're part of the VTA community or simply interested in leadership, sport and building a positive culture, this episode offers an authentic insight into the people behind the Academy. In this episode you'll hear about:

• Tina Keown's journey to becoming VTA Director
• How Victorian Tennis Academy has evolved over the years
• The values that define VTA's culture
• Her proudest achievements at VTA
• Tina's vision and excitement for the future of VTA

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with your fellow tennis community. Stay connected with the Victorian Tennis Academy! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook To learn more about the Victorian Tennis Academy, explore our programs, or book a free junior trial lesson, visit www.victennisacademy.com.au VTA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded.

Welcome to the very first episode of the VTA Courtside Podcast!

In this episode, host Lauren sits down with Victorian Tennis Academy Director Rick Foley to explore the remarkable journey of one of Australia's leading tennis coaching organisations.

Rick shares the history of the Victorian Tennis Academy, how it has grown over more than four decades, the challenges faced along the way, and the key moments that have shaped VTA into the thriving community it is today. From developing players of all ages and abilities to building a culture of excellence, inclusion and opportunity, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and dedication that drives the Academy every day.

Whether you're a player, parent, coach, tennis enthusiast or simply interested in hearing the stories behind successful sporting organisations, this is the perfect place to start.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• The origins of the Victorian Tennis Academy
• Rick Foley's vision and leadership journey
• The biggest challenges and proudest achievements
• How VTA continues to inspire the next generation of tennis players
• What's next for VTA

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with your fellow tennis community.

Stay connected with the Victorian Tennis Academy! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

To learn more about the Victorian Tennis Academy, explore our programs, or book a free junior trial lesson, visit www.victennisacademy.com.au

VTA acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded.