By Olivia Condous
Matt Osborne may have his own set of challenges, but that hasn’t stopped him from following his passion for sport and encouraging others in his community to join him.
He was recently named the Tennis Victoria Community Champion of the Month for July, for his work in establishing the new Eynesbury Tennis Club.
After an injury at work three years ago meant he had more spare time, Mr Osborne turned to his love of tennis as a distraction from the ways his life had changed.
“I used to play tennis when I was younger, from probably the age of 12 and thoroughly enjoyed the game,” he said.
“When the council finished building the Recreation Reserve, which is literally a street away from us, I just happened to notice one day that there was some tennis courts down there,
“I just thought, this would be a good opportunity to get a club going, get some social activity happening and meet some new people.”
Mr Osborne has worked with Tennis Victoria and Melton council since late 2021 to establish the new club, which currently has a small base of members but is steadily growing.
He said he “never thought in a million years” that he’d receive an award of recognition for his efforts.
“This award made me feel rather humbled and excited at the same time,” Mr Osborne said.
The club offers social tennis for people of all ages, with a professional coach from iTennis.
It is also running its first open tennis competition next month, for doubles teams with players over the age of 16.
Mr Osborne said he wanted to make the club as inclusive as possible.
“Sport is designed for everybody… it’s really up to the participant and their efforts.”
To get involved, contact eynesburytennisclub@gmail.com.
