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Mangawhai Tennis Club (MTC) is set to farewell its current president and longtime junior coach, Grant van Dalsum, when he steps down from his regular roles at the club at its annual general meeting (AGM) next month.
As a professional tennis coach, van Dalsum ran his own coaching business where he taught at schools and clubs across Auckland and Northland. He joined MTC more than 20 years ago and has been a much-loved junior coach since 2009.
Over the years, van Dalsum has held various roles at MTC, including serving on the committee and as vice president, before serving twice as president.
Reflecting on his time at MTC, he says one of the biggest highlights has been seeing the development of the young players he has coached.
“There have been a number of children that I have coached that I might not see for a few years because they leave school or stop coming to tennis. But it is a real highlight when I see them again a few years later with their mates on the back courts having a hit while I am coaching a new generation of juniors.”
Van Dalsum, who has been coaching since he was 18, says although he will no longer be a regular fixture at MTC, he will stay connected to the club.
“Tennis has been a huge part of my life since I was nine years old, so I’m not going to give it up now,” he says.
He will now spend his time between Mangawhai and Australia, where his daughter currently lives.
An MTC spokesperson says van Dalsum will be greatly missed.
“After more than 20 years of dedicated service, we say a heartfelt farewell to Grant as he departs the Mangawhai Tennis Club. Grant has made an outstanding contribution to our club’s health and vitality, serving as a long-time committee member and multi-time president. Through leading the Junior Coaching Programme, he inspired scores of young players to discover a love for the game.
“A phenomenal player himself, Grant’s name proudly graces many club trophies. He has been a brilliant ambassador for tennis across Northland, and his vibrant personality, humour and presence will be deeply missed.
“We thank Grant and his family for their years of unwavering commitment and wish him the absolute best for the future.”
MTC is one of New Zealand’s oldest tennis clubs. While the earliest surviving club records are from the club’s AGM in 1935, its history is believed to stretch back even further.
As Mangawhai continues to grow, the club hopes to carry on its legacy by creating a welcoming, vibrant club that serves players of all ages and abilities.
With van Dalsum stepping back from his regular coaching role, the club says it is looking for a new junior coach while exploring ways to strengthen its junior programme. With a new season ahead, it is also hoping to bring more people together through social events, both on and off the court.
Members will choose a new president at the club’s AGM at 2pm on September 20 at the Mangawhai Domain. Non-members are also invited to attend the meeting and learn more about the club.
