CRAIG Manuel and his wife moved to Two Wells six years ago, and after joining the Two Wells Tennis Club recently in an effort to connect more with their community, Manuel won the club’s vacant presidency after the incumbent stepped down.
Manuel, a tennis player since his younger days, said he joined the club because it was something he and his wife could play together, but was immediately grabbed by the community culture of the organisation.
“We were just looking for some way to get involved in the community, and we found out the tennis club was a bit short on numbers,” he said.
“One thing led to another, and then we had our AGM a couple of weeks ago and I was asked if I would stand for president, which I was more than honoured to do.
“The great thing about this club is it’s so family orientated – everyone knows everyone – there’s mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, husbands and wives… it’s just a great community club.”
Sharing a piece of land with the Two Wells Football and Netball Club, Manuel said it isn’t always easy to get new kids into tennis, but he is confident if the club can get people in the door, they won’t leave.
“When we first came here we were made to feel so welcome – we literally didn’t know a single person at the club, and we have never contemplated stopping,” he said.
“Every single one of us are all friends, we talk and see each other outside of tennis, which I think is pretty unique compared to a sport like footy where everyone is separated into their cliques.
“It’s a great alternative option if footy, or team sports really aren’t for you, because you can still work on your fitness, we have the coaches to teach work on your skills, and if you just want to come for a hit and have fun, you can do that.
“It’s not win at all costs, we’re not playing for sheep stations, we’re simply a community club that wants to provide for the community.”
For more information about Two Wells Tennis Club, visit its Facebook page, or contact Craig Manuel on 0412 575 583.
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