And it’s the key behind why Rochester’s relationship with the Campaspe Tennis Association’s seniors is currently non-existent.
The local tennis club doesn’t have a team in the only division, about 18 months removed from when it was the champion.
“We had lots of interest, but most people couldn't commit to playing every week, and it’s just not viable to field a team,” president Rebecca Wolfe said.
As she said, it’s not like the town lacks players.
In fact, Rochy has one more team in the CTA’s junior divisions this season compared to last.
The association was able to keep three junior competitions, but cut down the seniors to only one — not a universally popular decision, but one Wolfe understood.
“There were people who didn't like the idea of combining two sections to one, just based on feedback we received,” she said.
“I guess you've got to try different things to encourage people to play.”
There appears to be a tennis epidemic in the region — as numbers are dropping elsewhere — with clubs like Rochy needing to pivot.
Wolfe outlined a logical approach to revitalising the senior program.
“We're going to focus on our social tennis for now and, hopefully, that gains us extra senior participants, as those involved might consider playing on a weekend next season,” she said.
The club can put a greater emphasis on the seniors, as the juniors are tracking well.
And with the aforementioned numbers increase, there’s potential for a knock-on effect down the track.
“Hopefully, we can keep those players once they age out and they'll play seniors,” Wolfe said.
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