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.

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IC Council News

February 2026
A message from our new IC Council President, Michael Stich

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.

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