A few weeks ago, the Roland Garros tournament was held in our capital.
This sporting event made us want to go for a walk on the tennis courts located in the leisure area of Villé.
On these courses, we met Nicole Herzog and asked her a few questions about the Vallée de Villé tennis club.
Here are his answers! Enjoy reading!
Hello, Nicole.
You are the president of the Tennis Club of the Vallée de Villé.
Could you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Nicole SHANDENE-HERZOG, I am 74 years old, retired and I have lived in Villé for 50 years.
How long have you been the president of the Club?
For 21 years!
If you are the president of a tennis club, I imagine you have surely played yourself and perhaps still play occasionally?
Yes, I have been playing tennis since I was 18 in Sélestat and for 48 years at the Tennis Club de la Vallée de Villé. I still play recreationally to this day.
How many registered members do you have at the club today?
There are 85 members in the club, both young and adult.
From what age can children start playing tennis in your facility?
From 5 years.
How many skill level groups are there at the club?
I mean, what are the age categories registered at TC Vallée de Villé?
Today, there are 6 level groups at the Tennis Club for children aged 5 to 16 years.
Are there courses for adults and for adult beginners?
Yes, there are courses for adults, men, women, and beginners, but also adult training courses during school holidays supervised by Cristian ARAYA, a state-certified coach.
With all these training sessions, with all these budding champions, does TC Vallée de Villé participate in competitions?
Yes, we participate in the Bas-Rhin team championships and we organize tournaments. But unfortunately, due to the virus, we have had to cancel all competitions since March 16, 2020.
Do you practice any other sports here in the vicinity of Villé?
We mainly practice rock climbing and mountain biking.
Nicole, can you tell us who your coaches are and how a training session works?
We have a very good coach, Cristian Araya, 50 years old, passionate, who listens to our players and knows how to inspire them. Originally from Chile, Cristian is a former 315th-ranked ATP player, and he represented his country in the Davis Cup doubles.
Cristian is supported by Mathieu SCHUHLER who is our assistant instructor.
Young people and adults are looked after by Cristian for 1 hour 30 minutes on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The tennis school is run by Mathieu.
For lessons, the balls are provided by the club.
Do you use those ball-launching machines at the club?
No, we do not use those kinds of machines.
Do you organize competitions on your premises?
Yes, we participate in the Bas-Rhin team championships and we organize tournaments. But unfortunately, due to the virus, we have had to cancel all competitions since March 16, 2020.
Are you participating in any competitions organized this winter?
Yes, we have 2 men's teams entered this winter in the Bas-Rhin championships.
What are your plans and what activities do you wish to develop within the club?
We approached the primary school in Villé to offer a tennis initiation session for 60 students. This activity will take place in April.
There is participation from the Alsace tennis league and the lessons will be given by Cristian.
Non-members and those outside the club can access the courts. Hourly or weekly access passes are available for purchase (at the tourist office, for example). How do these options work?
These people can go to the Tourist Office, where they will be well guided by the very professional staff, to rent the access card for the courts.
Do you have a secret to give children to become ball boys on the courts of Roland Garros, or at the Strasbourg internationals?
No, I have no secret. Due to Covid, the young ball boys have been replaced by adults. However, four young people were invited by the Departmental Committee to come and watch the matches.
Nicole, any final words?
You cannot imagine the pleasure I feel in being the president of such a beautiful club as the Tennis Club de la Vallée de Villé, well supported by a very efficient committee.
Watching 40 young people develop on our fields is a great satisfaction and a very good occupation for my retirement!