Welcome to the International Club of Canada
"Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean "

Welcome to the International Club of Canada

Aims of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Canada

To promote friendship and sportsmanship in tennis between Canada and other countries by hosting tennis events with other IC countries and supporting tennis development in Canada by providing mentorship for young tennis players.

The first meeting of Active Members of the International Lawn Tennis Club of Canada was held at the Albany Club in Toronto on Wednesday, August 11, 1965, at 12.30 p.m. Laird Watt, the first president of the Club, was unable to attend and Gilbert Nunns chaired the meeting. In addition to Gilbert those attending the meeting in person or by proxy were familiar names in Canadian tennis history: Peter Barnard, John Bassett, Bob Barnard, François Godbout, Bruce Harrison, Sydney Hermant, Jim Macken, Harry Marpole and Walter Martin. Don Fontana, captain of the Club, agreed to approach the I.C. of the USA for a match in 1966. There were discussions of a black tie dinner, a match against a touring team from England and plans to participate in I.C. matches in Holland. The Canadian I.C. was up and operating. It had officially received “International Club” recognition just six weeks before, at the annual meeting of the Council of I.C.’s held each year during the fortnight of Wimbledon. It joined thirteen other nations with International Clubs, all existing with a common interest in the game of tennis.

The annual match with the USA Club has been the main regular event of the Club since that time, with matches alternating each year between the Donalda Club and various locations in the USA. The Piping Rock Club on Long Island, The Merion Cricket Club in Philadelphia, The West Side Tennis Club on Long Island. In 1971 the matches were divided in an open event competing for the Proctor Cup and a seniors event for the new Lawrence Baker Trophy. Women’s matches were included in the late 90’s and starting in the year 2000 teams will play for the Carole Graebner Trophy. 

There is no doubt that tournaments for the Windmill, Christiane Mercelis, and Columbus Trophies represent the highlights of the I.C. Movement. On these occasions many of the now 42 International Clubs meet in team competition. In these tournaments old friendships across the net and across the nations are renewed, and new ones made. Equally enjoyable are the I.C. Tours where teams of I.C. players tour other countries at the invitation of their I.C.’s, or host visiting teams.

This brief review of the Club’s history would not be complete without an expression of gratitude to the spirit behind the creation of the I.C. Club of Canada, the Late Bruce Harrison and those who have served on the Club’s executive, particularly its presidents: Laird Watt, Walter Martin, John Proctor, Jim Skelton, Frank Mott-Trille, Brian Flood and David Dimmer.

News & Results

12
View all news & results >>

IC Council News

October 2022
IC South Africa – Legends Trophy 2023

IC South Africa – Legends Trophy 2023

For it’s 70th anniversary celebratory event, the IC of South Africa is paying tribute to South African tennis legends in the form of "The Legends Trophy". Postponed from 2020, South Africa is now hosting this event 1st – 5th May 2023 in Sun City. It will undoubtedly be worth the wait and hard work from the organising committee who have now had to re-arrange this twice!

The entries and entry fees are expected by 30th November 2022 and so do get in touch with Lorna if you would like to find out more.

Competition Rules: Men's, ladies and mixed doubles

8 teams in two categories

  • 2 men and 2 ladies 65+ to 75+ (max of 3 men and 3 ladies)
  • 2 men and 2 ladies 55+ to 64 (max of 3 men and 3 ladies)

The Committee reserves the right to combine ages groups, or adapt the format if necessary.

Match format:

  • One men’s and one women’s singles
  • One men’s and one women’s doubles
  • Two mixed doubles
  • Best of 3 sets, 3rd set: 10-point tie-break

Contact: Tournament Director, Lorna Krog, lornadkrog@gmail.com

For further information, please see the factsheet.

Previous Article IC Council e-Newsletter - September 2022
Next Article IC Spain win Potter Cup and IC Italy win Two Presidents Cup
View more >>

Tennis Websites