Bendigo Tennis Club members will compete for the first time on Saturday within the BTA's Summer Pennant season.

"We're excited. The committee has done an incredible job to get us to this point." BTC president Damien Saunder said.

"Like everyone in all sports we've been deprived of the opportunity to play the games we love and now we're looking forward to getting on court.

"There could be a few balls over the back fence or into the net as we're all a bit rusty," he laughed.

BTC has a diverse range of members from juniors through to senior players and is always looking for more to join its ranks.

"So far we've been very fortunate to have a diverse section of the community join our club," Saunder said.

"Everyone is genuinely welcome.

"Age, ability or gender doesn't matter. All you have to do is come down for a hit and we'll find a spot for you."

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Vinh Dang is one of the members who is ecstatic to get to action this weekend.

He has a rich sporting background which includes top performances with Spring Gully in the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League.

Now that summer is upon us, Dang can't wait to embrace the warm weather on the tennis court.

"It's going to be so good to get out of the house into the fresh air to meet some new friends and play within the competition," he said.

Dang was born in Vietnam, but moved to Norway as a five-year-old where he played several sports including soccer and tennis.

Though the two sports might be quite different, he believes the athleticism required for soccer has benefited him on the tennis court.

"The fitness side has helped me a lot as there's plenty of running which is needed for tennis and also the ability to read how the game is played."

Despite spending much of his life in Norway, he embraces the chance to play in Bendigo's warmer summer weather.

Saunder said in addition to the competitive side of the sport, being part of the BTC is about much more than playing tennis.

"We've got some fierce competitors but also players who are just here for the social element," he said.

"Clubs bring people from all walks of life together and help create strong business and personal relationships.

"It's a ding-dong battle on the court, but then we're the best of mates afterwards."

BTC is one of nine BTA affiliated clubs, which also includes Castlemaine, Ironbark, Maiden Gully, South Bendigo, Spring Gully, Strathfieldsaye, Strathdale and Woodvale.

For further information on joining BTC please visit http://www.bendigotennisclub.com/about/.

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