• Emma's journey into tennis coaching and business
• Building a tennis operation across London's public parks
• Making tennis accessible to new and underrepresented players
• Women in leadership and the importance of female representation

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:

• David's tennis journey at VTA
• Balancing life as a surgeon and tennis player
• How tennis supports his wellbeing
• His career in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
• His experiences training cleft surgeons across the world

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.

• How Charlie first discovered Victorian Tennis Academy
• His journey into leading the adult program at Fawkner Park
• The biggest opportunities he identified within the adult program
• How players can find the right tennis pathway for their goals
• The most popular aspects of VTA's adult program
• The role of community and social tennis in keeping adults engaged
• Charlie's vision and ideas for the future of adult tennis at VTA

• Tina Keown's journey to becoming VTA Director
• How Victorian Tennis Academy has evolved over the years
• The values that define VTA's culture
• Her proudest achievements at VTA
• Tina's vision and excitement for the future of VTA

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:

• The origins of the Victorian Tennis Academy
• Rick Foley's vision and leadership journey
• The biggest challenges and proudest achievements
• How VTA continues to inspire the next generation of tennis players
• What's next for VTA

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.