VTA Courtside

Victorian Tennis Academy

This is VTA Courtside — the podcast for players and tennis lover, taking you behind the scenes of a growing tennis company. Hosted by Lauren Plant, one of the coaches at the Victorian Tennis Academy, each episode showcases the VTA community, sharing coaching insights, and tapping into the incredible global tennis network in Melbourne. You'll hear expert conversations, player perspectives, and practical tips to elevate your game. Because great tennis isn't just played on court, it's built through the people, passion, and process behind it.

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

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8 episodes
weekly
Avg 23 min
English

Episodes 8

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S1 · E8
Friday · 19 min
Episode 8: From Argentina to Australia - Getting to Know Coach José Mainella
In this episode, host Lauren chats with VTA Coach José Mainella, getting to know the person behind the coach and hearing about his journey from growing up in Argentina to building a career in tennis coaching in Australia. José shares stories from his childhood, how he first discovered tennis, and the experiences that shaped his passion for the sport and approach to coaching. He also reflects on his journey to Australia and his seven years working at Victorian Tennis Academy, including his experiences developing and supporting junior tennis players. From discovering tennis in Argentina to coaching the next generation of players in Melbourne, José gives us an insight into his life, coaching philosophy, and what tennis has taught him both on and off the court. In this episode, you'll hear about: How José first discovered tennis and fell in love with the sport His journey from playing tennis to becoming a coach What brought José from Argentina to Australia His seven-year journey with Victorian Tennis Academy José's coaching philosophy and approach to player development The lessons tennis has taught José both on and off the court If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with your fellow tennis community. Stay connected with Victorian Tennis Academy! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the Victorian Tennis Academy, explore our tennis programs, or book a free junior tennis trial lesson, visit www.victennisacademy.com.au. VTA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded.
S1 · E7
September 11 · 21 min
Episode 7: Inside the Victorian Tennis Academy Foundation (VTAF) with Caroline Scully
In this episode, host Lauren chats with Caroline Scully, Board Member of the Victorian Tennis Academy Foundation (VTAF), to explore the Foundation's work to make tennis and sport more accessible to people in the community. Caroline takes us behind the scenes of the Foundation, sharing how it began, the work it does within the community, and the programs and initiatives helping make tennis more accessible to everyone. In this episode, you'll hear about: What the Victorian Tennis Academy Foundation is and its purpose How Caroline first became involved with the VTAF The biggest barriers preventing disadvantaged people from accessing sport How the VTAF is working to address these barriers How clients, families, and members of the tennis community can support the Foundation To learn more about the Victorian Tennis Academy Foundation click here. To support the Foundation's work, donations can also be made 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. VTA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which this podcast is recorded.
S1 · E6
September 3 · 22 min
Episode 6: Inside Caulfield & Oakleigh with Patrick Gould
In this episode, host Lauren chats with Patrick Gould, Venue Manager for the Victorian Tennis Academy's Caulfield and Oakleigh venues. In his role at VTA, Patrick oversees two busy venues, giving him a unique perspective on coaching, venue management, and creating programs that help players enjoy and progress in the sport. In this episode, you'll hear about: Patrick's journey into tennis coaching What led Patrick to the Victorian Tennis Academy Managing the Caulfield and Oakleigh tennis venues What makes a great tennis coach Advice for parents choosing the right tennis programme for their child 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.
S1 · E5
August 28 · 22 min
Episode 5: Emma Wells - Leading with Grit
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.
S1 · E4
August 20 · 30 min
Episode 4: Beyond the Tennis Court with Associate Professor David Chong
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.
S1 · E3
August 13 · 22 min
Episode 3: Building Adult Tennis with Charlie Corsini
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.
S1 · E2
August 6 · 19 min
Episode 2: Leading with Purpose – A Conversation with Director Tina Keown
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.
S1 · E1
July 30 · 26 min
Episode 1: Welcome to VTA Courtside with Director Rick Foley
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.

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