South Florida Tennis Club - Tennis Everyone?

Swaying palm trees and crystal clear pools are not the only parts of the equation equaling life in paradise. A tennis racquet and a day spent "on the court" also figures into the lifestyle for warm-climate residents. SFTC started in 1987, then under the auspices of the Sunshine Athletic Association, a now defunct association for gay sports fans and athletes.

"The Sunshine Athletic Association was the only such association for the gay community," said Robert House, one of the few original members still involved with the organization. "In August of 1987 they made an announcement at George English Par that they would include tennis. We were technically with them for a year and a half, until we decided to strike out on our own and form the South Florida Tennis Club to encompass the whole region."

House served as SFTC president on two occasions, in the 1989 and 90 season, then again - after a long absence from the area - in 2009 and 10. O'dor played tennis recreationally as a kid, and has now played competitively for the past three years. Currently the group has 130 members, and both O'dor and House would like to see that number increase.

"We're focused on growing the membership, we definitely want more women, more beginners and more advanced players as well. There are several seasoned players in South Florida who are not aware of our club," said O'dor who described SFTC's players as being ranked 60 percent in the middle, 30 percent as top players, and 10 percent as beginners. One of their top members is publisher Bobby Blair, of the Florida Agenda, a professional-level player.

The nature of the group is both fun and competitive, as players are ranked on their skill level, with 3.0 being a beginner and 4.5 a seasoned player. Then players are matched to play against each other according to a ladder system.

"The way the ladder works is there is a single and a doubles ladder," said O'dor. "We give out a schedule every playing period, which lasts about four months. During that time time players schedule matches, we have no set location."

The group takes advantage of the court at Hagen Park in Wilton Manors, the Jimmy Everett Tennis Center at Holiday Park, and the Dylan Tennis Center in Oakland Park. In addition to the ladder SFTC also offers team tennis.

"That's singles and doubles," O'dor explained. "You play on a team as an a, b, or c player so you can compete against other teams. You win by the whole team winning, not just the individual."

In the spirit of teamwork SFTC not only has a great time with each other on the court, but they also give back to the community. They have two local tournaments, the Clay Court Classic takes place on President's Day, and Spring Fling, a doubles tournament, will take place on May 7 at the Fort Lauderdale Tennis Club.

"The Clay Court Classic allowed us, through sponsors, to give $2500 to the Broward House," said O'dor.

Chandler Wright has only been a new member with SFTC for six months. Therefore, it is fitting that he is in charge of recruiting and engaging new members - even players that might have only picked up a racquet a few times before.

"Not until you demonstrate a certain level of ability will you advance higher in the ladders, and compete against other players," said Wright. "Some of the guys could compete but they wouldn't do as well as other players. You also have members that just want to enjoy the physical and social aspect of the sport, we welcome them too."

In order to appeal to newer players SFTC is looking for 10 new members who will meet at Hagen Park on Saturday mornings. He says current members and the tennis instructor they are working with will basically train those interested in the sport.

"It's going to be very basic instruction, even footing and learning how to keep score," added Wright.

So if you're tennis racquet has been restrung many times, or you're looking for a new pastime, the South Florida Tennis Club might be the perfect place for you. Whether you rack up a high score, or would just love to play!

Please visit SFTC.us for more information.