6/10/26

1/10/26

Kia ora,

The start of the Junior Tennis season is approaching fast and we have an exciting lineup of tennis events coming up!

Please see below for an overview of what is happening, key dates, and some important updates for the season ahead.

1. Start of Interclub (Saturday 17 October)

The Junior Interclub 2026/27 season officially kicks off on Saturday 17 October. Below we have set out some key information about interclub:

• Season Dates:
  • First Half: Saturday 17 October – Saturday 12 December 2026.
  • Second Half: Saturday 13 February (tentative) – Saturday 3 April 2027 (tentative).
• Match Times: Games commence every Saturday at 9:00 am sharp (venues open from 8:45 am for warm-ups).
• Divisions & Locations: Games run simultaneously across two skill levels:
  • Division 1 (Competitive/Experienced): Stevenson Tennis Centre.
  • Division 2 (Developing/Less Experienced): Otago Boys' High School Tennis Grounds/Dome (Stuart Street).
• To play interclub, you must be a member of a local tennis club. If you are not a member yet, please contact your nearest club, reach out to Dean (see contact below), or reply directly to this email so we can get you sorted.
• We strongly encourage junior players entered in Senior Interclub to continue playing Junior Interclub where possible. This maintains strong competition, supports developing players, and boosts our overall programme vibrancy.
• Key Contact for Interclub: Dean Fraser, Email: dean.fraser@otago.ac.nz

2. Practice matches with North Otago

North Otago junior players are coming down to the Edgar Centre on 17 October! After their morning coaching, they are looking to play practice matches against Otago players in the afternoon. If you are keen to attend and get some great match play in, please reply to this email to let us know.

• Date & Time: Saturday 17 October, 1:45 pm – 4:00 pm
• Location: Edgar Centre

Participants will be asked a small participation fee to cover the cost of court hire and supply of balls

3. Southern Junior Teams Event

The Southern Teams Event, our biannual representative regional tennis tournament where the best young players from the lower South Island come together to compete in a team format, will take place on Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 November 2026 at the Edgar Centre & Stevenson Tennis Centre (Dunedin)

While the November teams event is typically only open to the 10u, 12u, and 14u age categories, we are considering running a competition for 17u players this year. In the past, we have skipped the 17u grade due to high school exam clashes. However, if there is enough interest from players who are still keen to compete, we would love to make it happen.

More info to follow

4. Two Generations Tournament

Bring the family along for our annual 2-Generations tournament! This is a fun, social event, and we will be firing up a free BBQ for everyone to enjoy.

• Date & Time: Sunday 6 December, from 12:00 pm
• Location: Stevenson Tennis Centre

5. Tennis Otago One-Day Tournament

This is a new Tennis Otago initiative. While this tournament is open to all interested players, we strongly encourage those who are just starting out in competitive tennis to enter. This is a dedicated player development tournament designed to provide a supportive, low-pressure environment for newer players to build match confidence and experience.

• Date & Time: Sunday 13 December
• Primary Venue: Stevenson Tennis Centre (with the Edgar Centre as a wet weather backup).

Further details to follow.

If you have any questions about these upcoming events, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Kind regards,

The Tennis Otago Junior Committee

3/9/26

New Club Shirts.

25/9/26 ORDERS HAVE CLOSED FOR NOW

Club Tennis Shirt for a subsidised price of $30. It is optional but it would be great if adults, students and juniors wear the shirt to play. Club shirts in tennis offer a polished, uniform appearance and identity on the court.

It is a dark Blue Razor Polo shirt with the Club logo and the Visique Optometrists logo, who are sponsoring it, on the front. If you have already joined or want more than one please visit Membership /Other to order and pay by credit card.

ONCE YOU HAVE PAID PLEASE EMAIL THE CLUB YOUR NAME & SIZE SELECTION USING THE 1/2 CHEST SIZE CHART BELOW.

Peter E will collect the orders and when there is enough he will place an supplier order. Collection date therefore TBC.

For an accurate half chest measurement the wearer is advised to lay a favourite fitting polo flat and measure between the underarm seams (2cm down from the arm holes) to get their half chest measurement.  Otherwise Biz Collection polos are fairly true to kiwi sizing so if they are normally a size XL then they would be an XL – upsize for a more relaxed fit.

27/8/26

Hi everyone 

With the new spring season quickly approaching, we have some exciting events and key dates just around the corner. Here is a quick, easy-to-read summary of what's coming up and how you can get involved!

Junior Coaching Our junior coaching starts soon and will run on Fridays this season starting the 9th of October. To book your child's place visit the Junior Coaching Page.

Student & Adult Senior Interclub Competitive play for the new Premier Grade is starting from Saturday, 5th September, Mixed 19th September.
If you are interested in playing or have any questions about teams, please get in touch directly with one of our Senior Captains, Russell Drew. rdrew@xtra.co.nz

Junior Interclub Competitive play starts on Saturday 17th of October. If your child is interested in playing or you have any questions about the format please visit the junior Interclub page 
For information about joining a team contact our Junior Captain, Dean Fraser dean.fraser@otago.ac.nz

Upcoming Open Days & Social Play for Student and Adult We'd love to see you down at the club for some casual tennis or to check out our facilities:

• Pre-season Social Play: Running until Tuesday, 22nd September (Tuesdays 6-8 pm at the Edgar Centre, and Sundays 1-3 pm at our Club courts). Read more on our Social Tennis Page.
• Have a Go Day: Sunday, 13th September (10 am - 2 pm) at the Edgar Centre. This is a new format run with Dunedin clubs including Balmacewen.
• Love Tennis Day: Sunday, 11th October (10 am - 2 pm) at our Club courts.

Club AGM Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday, 31st August at 7:00 pm at the Golf Club rooms (next to the hard courts). All members are warmly invited to attend.

Need to Get in Touch? If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact the right person directly:

• For coaching or junior programs and Cardio Tennis: Email our Head Coach, Mat McCutcheon, at mat@mattenniscoaching.co.nz.
• For competitive student & senior Interclub play: Contact one of our Senior Captains, Russell Drew rdrew@xtra.co.nz
• For competitive Junior Interclub play: Contact our Junior Captain, Dean Fraser dean.fraser@otago.ac.nz
• For general club questions, including Social Tennis or memberships: Simply reply to this email, and we'll get right back to you!

See you on the courts soon!

Best regards,
Stiina
Balmac Tennis Club Contact