VTA Courtside

Victorian Tennis Academy
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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.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 11: Pride in Sport with Charity King

    In this episode, host Lauren chats with Charity King, Education Facilitator at Pride Cup, about the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming sporting environments for LGBTQIA+ people, and how tennis clubs can play an important role in driving positive change. Through her work with Pride Cup, Charity shares insights into the organisation's origins, its mission to make sport more inclusive, and why sporting clubs are such powerful spaces for building understanding, respect and belonging. In this episode, you'll hear about: Charity's role as an Education Facilitator with Pride Cup and the work she does to support sporting communities. What Pride Cup is, how it began, and the inspiration behind its creation. Why sport is such a powerful environment for promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion and creating positive change. Some of the barriers LGBTQIA+ people can still experience when participating in sport. What genuine inclusion looks like in practice, both on and off the court. This is an important conversation about creating a sporting culture where everyone feels safe, respected, valued and welcome. Whether you're a coach, club committee member, parent, player or part of the wider tennis community, there are valuable insights and practical steps we can all take to make tennis a place where everyone belongs. 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.

    Episode 11: Pride in Sport with Charity King

  2. Oct 31

    Adult Coaching Series: Skill Shots

    Welcome to a new fortnightly theme on VTA Courtside, inspired by the Coaching Fortnight focus across all Victorian Tennis Academy venues! In this episode, Lauren chats with Charlie Corsini, Head of Adults at Fawkner Park, about skill shots. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there are practical takeaways to help you make the most of your next session on court. Our Coaching Fortnight theme connects players and coaches across Fawkner Park, Powlett Reserve, Caulfield Park and Oakleigh Tennis Club, bringing a shared focus to learning, developing and enjoying the game. 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.

    Adult Coaching Series: Skill Shots

  3. Oct 22

    Episode 10: Understanding ADHD in Tennis with Nick Jacques

    In this episode, host Lauren chats with Nick Jacques, Tennis Australia's Coach Relationship and Education Manager for Western Australia, about his role in coach development, his personal journey with ADHD, and the importance of creating more inclusive and supportive environments for junior tennis players. In this episode, you'll hear about: Nick's role with Tennis Australia and his journey through tennis His personal experience of being diagnosed with ADHD and how it impacted him as a tennis player Why ADHD is still misunderstood in junior sport and the behaviours coaches can sometimes misinterpret The importance of workshops for tennis clubs, including VTA, in building awareness and equipping coaches with the tools to support neurodiverse players This is an important conversation about looking beyond behaviour, recognising individual strengths, and understanding that every child learns differently. By creating more inclusive coaching environments, we can help more young players feel understood, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of tennis. 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.

    Episode 10: Understanding ADHD in Tennis with Nick Jacques

  4. Oct 17

    Adult Coaching Series: Serving & Returning

    Welcome to a new fortnightly theme on VTA Courtside, inspired by the Coaching Fortnight focus across all Victorian Tennis Academy venues! In this episode, Lauren chats with Charlie Corsini, Head of Adults at Fawkner Park, about two of the most important shots in tennis: the serve and the return.  Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there are practical takeaways to help you make the most of your next session on court. Our Coaching Fortnight theme connects players and coaches across Fawkner Park, Powlett Reserve, Caulfield Park and Oakleigh Tennis Club, bringing a shared focus to learning, developing and enjoying the game. 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.

    Adult Coaching Series: Serving & Returning

  5. Oct 9

    Episode 9: A Journey in Leadership – A Conversation with Director Jack Glennane

    In this episode, host Lauren chats with Victorian Tennis Academy Director Jack Glennane, getting to know the person behind the role and his journey through tennis, coaching, and leadership. From his early days at VTA to becoming Director, Jack reflects on his journey, the milestones that have shaped the academy, and his passion for helping develop the next generation of players and coaches. In this episode, you'll hear about: How Jack first discovered tennis and what sparked his love for the game Jack's journey to Australia and how he first became involved with VTA His journey at Victorian Tennis Academy and how his role has evolved over the years Some of the biggest changes and milestones Jack has been part of since becoming Director 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.

    Episode 9: A Journey in Leadership – A Conversation with Director Jack Glennane

  6. Sep 18

    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.

    Episode 8: From Argentina to Australia - Getting to Know Coach José Mainella

  7. Sep 11

    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.

    Episode 7: Inside the Victorian Tennis Academy Foundation (VTAF) with Caroline Scully

  8. Sep 3

    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.

    Episode 6: Inside Caulfield & Oakleigh with Patrick Gould
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Victorian Tennis Academy
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    VTA Courtside