Montreal, March 9, 2022 — Tennis Canada today announced the first round of communities receiving funding to develop fully covered tennis courts through its new Year-Round Community Tennis Courts Program presented by Rogers. The $5.6 million multi-year program, jointly funded by Tennis Canada and Rogers, will make year-round tennis a reality for thousands of Canadians and help foster increased participation amongst youth. The municipalities of Hamilton (Ancaster) and Markham, Ontario,Waterloo, Quebec, and Calgary, Alberta were announced today.
Last year, Tennis Canada and Rogers announced their partnership on the Year-Round Community Tennis Courts Program with the aim of building 160 new year-round courts at up to 30 facilities over the next seven years. The investment addresses the fact that Canada currently falls behind other leading tennis nations in providing access to the sport 12 months a year, with only 750 publicly accessible covered courts across the country. This represents only one year-round court for every 50,000 people.
“Today’s announcement represents a tangible milestone for a vision that has been years in the making as we continue to deliver on our promise to make tennis more accessible to Canadians across the country,” commented Michael Downey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tennis Canada. “Our thanks go to our partner, Rogers, because the capital seed money they fund has been instrumental in helping to expedite these year-round facility projects. We want to thank as well the municipalities of Ancaster, Markham, Ville de Waterloo (Quebec) and Calgary, who saw the value in year-round tennis access and the resultant capacity building benefits for their communities. Finally, we want to thank the tireless work of local operators to make this all come together. We are certain these projects are the first of many and this landmark announcement will spark many more discussions with municipalities and operators that want to bring year-round tennis, and the resulting health and capacity building benefits, to their communities. This is a watershed announcement for the future of tennis in Canada.”
“We are proud to invest in the terrific work Tennis Canada is doing to enable year-round tennis in communities across Canada to increase participation amongst youth, all local community members and the next generation of high-performance athletes,” said Robert Dépatie, President and Chief Operating Officer, Home and Business, Rogers Communications. “Congratulations to the municipalities and local clubs announced today. This investment will continue to help grow the sport of tennis and provide even more opportunities to keep young people active.”
The projects announced today, which consist of installing air-supported covers or “bubbles” at Ancaster Tennis Club, Premier Racquet Club,Club de Tennis François Godbout and the Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre respectively, are scheduled for completion in time for the 2022-23 fall and winter seasons. As a result of the installations, collectively, these communities will see court time opportunities increase by roughly 15,000 hours during the harsh winter months, which typically render these outdoor courts unusable for 50-75% of the year. In a study commissioned by Tennis Canada, 90% of tennis players stated they would play more regularly if there was a covered court nearby.
“The initiative of Tennis Canada and Rogers building more indoor courts is really amazing,” said 2019 US Open champion and Team Rogers Athlete Bianca Andreescu. “It will give more opportunities to young girls and also young boys. It is super hard finding indoor courts living in Canada, but I think this initiative is amazing.”
Tennis Canada also confirmed today the involvement of The Farley Group in the program. In addition to the much-needed seed money provided by Rogers for each project, the Farley Group will work with any funding recipient that selects their services to provide the project with a contribution towards the cost of the revolving door and air-lock system of the dome.
Local celebrations took place today at Club de Tennis François Godbout in Waterloo, Quebec and Premier Racquet Club in Markham), with similar events planned at Ancaster Tennis Club and Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre respectively. (Photo: Peter Power)
Local celebration took place today at Premier Racquet Club in Markham
left to right, Amanda Collucci, Ward 6 Councillor, Markham, Jim Boyce, Ontario Tennis Association, Michael Downey, President and CEO at Tennis Canada, Frank Scarpitti,, Mayor of Markham, Nancy Thomas, VP Brand, Rogers, Karl Hale, Operator, Premier Racquet Clubs, Markham, Helena Jaczek, MP Markham-Stouffville, Don Hamilton, Dep .Mayor City of Markham, Nocholas Quadrini from MPP Paul Calandra’s office, and Jason Abbott from The Farley Group (Photo: Peter Power).
As momentum for the Year-Round Community Tennis Courts Program presented by Rogers continues to grow, with 90% of Canadians agreeing that municipalities should work with Tennis Canada on the initiative, you can learn more about the program and email coveredcourts@tenniscanada.com to find out how you can help kick start a project in your municipality.
More on Ancaster Tennis Club – Ancaster, ON
Located in Ancaster Park, Ancaster Tennis Club, was built in the 1940s and boasts five lit hard courts which are set to be covered. As a result, the City of Hamilton community will have the opportunity to enjoy its facilities year-round. Once the project is completed, available court time for the community constituents will increase by roughly 3,700 hours from October to April.
More on Premier Racquet Clubs – Markham, ON
Located in Markham, ON, Premier Racquet Clubs is set to cover the current six outdoor courts with a dome installation. The Markham Tennis Club will continue to operate the summer season and this dome installation will now keep the courts active in the winter season, increasing its capacity by approximately 4,500 additional court hours per week during the winter season from October to April.
More on Club de Tennis François Godbout – Waterloo, QC
Situated in Parc Robinson, Waterloo, Club de Tennis François Godbout, which will become Club de tennis intérieur François Godbout présenté par Rogers, has four existing outdoor courts which are set to be covered. As of 2021, Tennis ENRJ, which runs the club’s programming has over 500 players, including more than 100 juniors. The installation of a dome structure is set to accelerate the number of recreational and competitive players in the area with an additional 3,000 hours of court time from October to April expected to be made available.
More on Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre – Calgary, AB
Founded in 2013 and opened in 2016, the Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre is a staple of the Acadia and Calgary community. Annually, it services 30,000 Calgarians and its programs are operating at full capacity with long waiting lists to join. By covering its five existing outdoor courts, the Centre will increase year-round public access to tennis and will ensure it is able to service 3,700 more court hours during the winter months, adding to their pre-existing eight indoor courts.
About Tennis Canada
Founded in 1890, Tennis Canada is a non-profit, national sport association with a mission to lead the growth of tennis in Canada and a vision to become a world-leading tennis nation. We value teamwork, passion, integrity, innovation and excellence. Tennis Canada owns and operates the premier National Bank Open presented by Rogers WTA and ATP Tour events, four professional ATP and ITF sanctioned events and financially supports four other professional tournaments in Canada. Tennis Canada operates junior national training centres/programs in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. Tennis Canada is a proud member of the International Tennis Federation, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and serves to administer, sponsor and select the teams for Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, the Olympic and Paralympic Games and all wheelchair, junior and senior national teams. Tennis Canada invests its surplus into tennis development. For more information on Tennis Canada please visit our Web site at: www.tenniscanada.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) — A top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board declined Friday to confirm media reports that India has decided against playing any games in host Pakistan during next year’s Champions Trophy.
“My view is if there’s any problems, they (India) should tell us in writing,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi told reporters in Lahore. “I’ll share that with the media as well as with the government as soon as I get such a letter.”
Indian media reported Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has communicated its concerns to all the Champions Trophy stakeholders, including the PCB, over the Feb. 19-March 9 tournament and would not play in arch-rival Pakistan.
The Times of India said that “Dubai is a strong candidate to host the fixtures involving the Men in Blue” for the 50-over tournament.
Such a solution would see Pakistan having to travel to a neutral venue to play India in a group match, with another potential meeting later in the tournament if both teams advanced from their group. The final is scheduled for March 9 in Pakistan with the specific venue not yet decided.
“Our stance is clear,” Naqvi said. “They need to give us in writing any objections they may have. Until now, no discussion of the hybrid model has happened, nor are we prepared to accept one.”
Political tensions have stopped bilateral cricket between the two nations since 2008 and they have competed in only multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups.
“Cricket should be free of politics,” Naqvi said. “Any sport should not be entangled with politics. Our preparations for the Champions Trophy will continue unabated, and this will be a successful event.”
The PCB has already spent millions of dollars on the upgrade of stadiums in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi which are due to host 15 Champions Trophy games. Naqvi hoped all the three stadiums will be ready over the next two months.
“Almost every country wants the Champions Trophy to be played here (in Pakistan),” Naqvi said. “I don’t think anyone should make this a political matter, and I don’t expect they will. I expect the tournament will be held at the home of the official hosts.”
Eight countries – Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan – are due to compete in the tournament, the schedule of which is yet to be announced by the International Cricket Council.
“Normally the ICC announces the schedule of any major tournament 100 days before the event, and I hope they will announce it very soon,” Naqvi said.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Ottawa‘s Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand are through to the doubles final at the WTA Finals after a 7-6 (7), 6-1 victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States and Australia’s Ellen Perez in semifinal action Friday.
Dabrowski and Routliffe won a hard-fought first set against serve when Routliffe’s quick reaction at the net to defend a Perez shot gave the duo set point, causing Perez to throw down her racket in frustration.
The second seeds then cruised through the second set, winning match point on serve when Melichar-Martinez couldn’t handle Routliffe’s shot.
The showdown was a rematch of last year’s semifinal, which Melichar-Martinez and Perez won in a super tiebreak.
Dabrowski and Routliffe will face the winner of a match between Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, and Hao-Ching Chan and Veronika Kudermetova in the final on Saturday.
Dabrowski is aiming to become the first Canadian to win a WTA Finals title.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
Inter Milan winger Tajon Buchanan, recovered from a broken leg suffered in training at this summer’s Copa America, is back in Jesse Marsch’s Canada squad for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.
The 25-year-old from Brampton, Ont., underwent surgery July 3 to repair a fractured tibia in Texas.
Canada, ranked 35th in the world, plays No. 136 Suriname on Nov. 15 in Paramaribo. The second leg of the aggregate series is four days later at Toronto’s BMO Field.
There is also a return for veteran winger Junior Hoilett, who last played for Canada in June in a 4-0 loss to the Netherlands in Marsch’s debut at the Canadian helm. The 34-year-old from Brampton, now with Scotland’s Hibernian, has 15 goals in 63 senior appearances for Canada.
Midfielder Ismael Kone, recovered from an ankle injury sustained on club duty with France’s Marseille, also returns. He missed Canada’s last three matches since the fourth-place Copa America loss to Uruguay in July.
But Canada will be without centre back Derek Cornelius, who exited Marseille’s win Sunday over Nantes on a stretcher after suffering an apparent rib injury.
The Canadian men will prepare for Suriname next week at a camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“We are looking forward to getting the group together again with the mindset that there is a trophy on the line,” Marsch said in a statement. “We want to end 2024 the right way with two excellent performances against a competitive Suriname squad and continue building on our tremendous growth this past summer.”
The quarterfinal winners advance to the Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., with the two semifinals scheduled for March 20 and the final and third-place playoff March 23, and qualify for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Thirteen of the 23 players on the Canadian roster are 25 or younger, with 19-year-old defender Jamie Knight-Lebel, currently playing for England’s Crewe Alexandra on loan from Bristol City, the youngest.
Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies captains the side with Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Richie Laryea, Alistair Johnston and Kamal Miller adding veteran support.
Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Theo Bair are joined in attack by Minnesota United’s Tani Oluwaseyi.
Niko Sigur, a 21-year-old midfielder with Croatia’s Hadjuk Split, continues in the squad after making his debut in the September friendly against Mexico.
Suriname made it to the Nations League quarterfinals by finishing second to Costa Rica in Group A of the Nations League, ahead of No. 104 Guatemala, No. 161 Guyana and unranked Martinique and Guadeloupe.
“A good team,” Osorio said of Suriname. “These games are always tricky and they’re not easy at all … Suriname is a (former) Dutch colony and they’ll have Dutch players playing at high levels.”
“They won’t be someone we overlook at all,” added the Toronto FC captain, who has 81 Canada caps to his credit.
Located on the northeast coast of South America between Guyana and French Guiana, Suriname was granted independence in 1975 by the Netherlands.
Canada has faced Suriname twice before, both in World Cup qualifying play, winning 4-0 in suburban Chicago in June 2021 and 2-1 in Mexico City in October 1977.
The Canadian men, along with Mexico, the United States and Panama, received a bye into the final eight of the CONCACAF Nations League.
Canada, No. 2 in the CONCACAF rankings, drew Suriname as the best-placed runner-up from League A play.
Canada lost to Jamaica in last year’s Nations League quarterfinal, ousted on the away-goals rule after the series ended in a 4-4 draw. The Canadians lost 2-0 to the U.S. in the final of the 2022-23 tournament and finished fifth in 2019-20.
Canada defeated Panama 2-1 last time out, in an Oct. 15 friendly in Toronto.
Goalkeepers Maxime Crepeau and Jonathan Sirois, defenders Joel Waterman, Laryea and Miller and Osorio took part in a pre-camp this week in Toronto for North America-based players.
Canada Roster
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Portland Timbers (MLS); Jonathan Sirois, CF Montreal (MLS); Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United FC (MLS).
Defenders: Moise Bombito, OGC Nice (France); Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich (Germany); Richie Laryea, Toronto FC (MLS); Alistair Johnston, Celtic (Scotland); Jamie Knight-Lebel. Crewe Alexandra, on loan from Bristol City (England); Kamal Miller, Portland Timbers (MLS); Joel Waterman, CF Montreal (MLS).
Midfielders: Ali Ahmed. Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS); Tajon Buchanan, Inter Milan (Italy); Mathieu Choiniere, Grasshopper Zurich (Switzerland); Stephen Eustaquio, FC Porto (Portugal); Junior Hoilett, Hibernian FC (Scotland); Ismael Kone, Olympique Marseille (France); Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC (MLS); Jacob Shaffelburg, Nashville SC (MLS); Niko Sigur, Hadjuk Split (Croatia).
Forwards: Theo Bair, AJ Auxerre (France); Jonathan David, LOSC Lille (France); Cyle Larin, RCD Mallorca (Spain); Tani Oluwaseyi, Minnesota United (MLS).
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
