A message from our new IC Council President, Michael Stich

For many years, I have had the privilege of being a member of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Germany. From the very beginning, what drew me to the IC was not just its heritage or the familiar faces from the tour, but the shared values that underpin our community: fair play, respect for opponents, lifelong friendship, and the simple joy of continuing to compete together. The IC has always been a place where former players remain part of the sport, long after the professional spotlight moves on.

In more recent years I have had the honour of contributing as Vice-President of the IC Council.

One of the areas closest to my heart has been the IC Jean Borotra Sportsmanship Award. Originally sponsored by CQS and now, proudly, by Deltroit, the award stands for the character, humility and sportsmanship that we believe should define not only champions on the circuit, but ambassadors for tennis as a whole. Presenting and promoting this award has reminded me how powerful our values are when they are lived by players at the highest level.

Following Frank Sedgman as President of the Council of International Lawn Tennis Clubs is a genuine honour. 

He has led with dignity and great affection for the IC family, and I am grateful for his example as I begin my term as President.  

Looking ahead, my priorities are clear. We must continue to welcome more former professionals into the IC fold. Our goal is not simply to add names to membership lists, but to offer a meaningful community. Many players retire earlier than they imagined, and often without a clear sense of what comes next. The IC can play an important role in helping former professionals remain part of the sport — enabling them to compete recreationally, to engage with younger generations, to give back to charitable and cultural initiatives, as well as to stay connected with friends from the tour. The appetite is there; we simply need to keep opening the doors.

And finally, I look forward to meeting many more IC members across our Clubs and events in the months ahead. Please do not hesitate to reach out — this is your IC, and I am very much here for you.

Report on 2016 IC AGM

Morning Workshops:

1.Website

The websites are now 5 years old and due for an update

Social media demands that they should be smartphone/tablet compatible

Work has begun on Philanthropy site. This will be followed by GB site and then Council site.

All other sites will have the new look and feel by March 2017 and updates will be carried out remotely.

2. Match making

We have a full 2016/2017 calendar with events scheduled as follows:

Final of The Compass IC  Junior Challenge - Monte Carlo ,  Sept 2016

Columbus Trophy,  New Delhi, November 2016

Juego de Pilote, Brussels  Aug 2017

IC Week Berlin, 20 August 2107

La Carreta Bulgaria Sept ? 2017

We then have IC Weeks or celebratory events  planned for Japan 2018, France 2019, S Africa 2020, Belgium 2022, GB 2024 (centenary)

See calendar for full details

3. Philanthropy

Report given by Barry Weatherill and Boyd Cuthbertson of latest list of 12 projects

Philanthropy is financially robust

Achieved full Charitable Status

More projects are now requested

New Philanthropy tie available and scarf will be available by end August

2016 AGM

Attended by 54 people representing 37 countries

Council Executive Business plans for 2016 have largely been achieved or exceeded

New brochure planned by end 2016

Increased grants available for Council sponsored events

Officers re-elected for further 3 year term:

Thierry Pham ( permanent member)

Des Shaw (Australasia)

Alex Kurucz (Europe)

Julian Tatum ( events and special projects)

Peter McQuibban (Chairman)

Andrew Ambrose (Hon Sec)

Mike Carroll( Hon Treasurer)

Chris Appleton (Independent Examiner)

Council Finances are in reasonably healthy, but not excessive situation