Explore every episode of the podcast VTA Courtside
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 7: Inside the Victorian Tennis Academy Foundation (VTAF) with Caroline Scully | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:21:57 | |
In this episode, host Lauren chats with Caroline Scully, Board Member of the Victorian Tennis Academy Foundation (VTAF). 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:
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 6: Inside Caulfield & Oakleigh with Patrick Gould | 03 Sep 2026 | 00:22:12 | |
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:
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 5: Emma Wells - Leading with Grit | 28 Aug 2026 | 00:22:24 | |
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:
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| Episode 4: Beyond the Tennis Court with Associate Professor David Chong | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:30:58 | |
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:
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. | |||
| Episode 3: Building Adult Tennis with Charlie Corsini | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:22:38 | |
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:
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| Episode 2: Leading with Purpose – A Conversation with Director Tina Keown | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:19:40 | |
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:
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| Episode 1: Welcome to VTA Courtside with Director Rick Foley | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:26:47 | |
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:
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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