Wallan resident Gavin Moreira is hanging up his racquet after serving the aces for the last 20 years at the Kilmore Tennis Club (KTC) as coach, president, and player.
For over 40 years, Moreira has played and coached tennis, and he calls it ‘the sport for life’.
However, sadly, in April, Moreira learnt that a cervical stenosis in the upper neck regions of his spine was damaged, causing excruciating neck pain. Only a month later, while playing tennis, he then tore the meniscus in his knee.
When the surgeon saw the scans, he medically retired Moreira on the spot—even from running—stating that the meniscus was simply too thin to be repaired.
Off the courts, Moreira served as president of the KTC between 2019–2023. As a junior tennis coordinator, he served 20 years, with a short pause between 2007–2014 while he voluntarily coached students at Assumption College Kilmore.
The tennis facilities at Clarke Street are modern and inviting. Moreira was instrumental in the 2006 redevelopment of the club rooms, and recently, its new synthetic court surfaces, lights, and walkway.
In November 2014, he applied for $20,000 in funding to help with the development of a 24-hour online court booking system, so tennis players had access to the courts and court lighting at times that suited them.
Between 2002–2012, Moreira ran the KTC Classic Tournament with players and spectators from all over Victoria attending the grand event.
He also introduced an exciting first for the club, the Tennis Victoria Pennant.
The grassroots competition for singles and doubles players attracted competitors from as far away as Mulwala and Shepparton.
Teaching hundreds of children and adults to learn and develop their tennis skills has been a career highlight.
In 2004, Moreira began reinvigorating the ladies’ tennis teams by encouraging mothers with preschool-aged children to sign up or return to tennis for a friendly weekday hit.
Shortly after, he formed the Broadford and District Junior Tennis Association.
In 2017, he supported the opening of the Mitchell District Tennis Association’s night competition.
Another highlight includes occasions where he could organise for Kilmore players and coaches to have a hit on the famous Rod Laver Arena court at Melbourne Park.
Moreira is now looking forward to the upcoming Australian Open, which will also mark his 20th year working alongside the ballkids.
“The best part of the journey has been teaching children and adults to either learn or develop their skills through the hotshots or cardio tennis programs,” he said.
“As well as coming to watch their Saturday morning games with many finalists and premierships, but more importantly, [watching them have] fun.
“Thank you to the many parents who have allowed me to be involved with your child’s sporting development.
“Good luck to everyone, and remember, tennis is a sport for life.”
