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

August 2025
Meet a member: Jimmy Tasker, IC of Barbados

Meet a member: Jimmy Tasker, IC of Barbados

Jimmy Tasker was born and raised in the beautiful island paradise of Barbados. His father Jimmy Tasker Snr. was a well-respected tennis coach on the island and it was no surprise that young Jimmy and his two older sisters were all handed racquets at an early age. A natural talent with a feel for the ball that can’t be taught but which one has to be born with, left-handed Jimmy became dominant at both the junior and senior levels in Barbados while still a young teenager.

Jimmy represented the island in the Brandon Trophy – a Caribbean Open tournament – from as early as age 16 and also played on the Caribbean team in the Davis Cup before each island had its own team. Once Barbados had its own Davis Cup team, he would go on to represent his country between 1989-1992. One of the highlights of his career was his participation at Junior Wimbledon in 1980 where he competed alongside juniors Mats Wilander and Henri Leconte.

Jimmy attended and played college tennis for Houston Baptist College with his two older sisters and went on to play the American Circuit for 3 months. Jimmy has continued to play tennis and has represented his Club at every interclub tournament for which he has been available. His introduction to IC Barbados some 12 years ago was through another highly respected member of the tennis community of Barbados, Mr. Peter Symmonds.  Jimmy’s love of the sport, along with his desire to give back to it after bringing him so many happy memories and positive aspects to him and his family over the years, is what led to his decision to accept the invitation to become a member. He has contributed in many ways to the IC of Barbados, including serving as captain of the Barbados team to the IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge tournament in the Bahamas in 2019. He has participated in most of the invitationals to IC events since becoming a member and counts the reconnection with comrades from his earlier tennis days as well as the forming of new friendships, among the many aspects of what he loves most.

Jimmy is currently looking forward to attending the IC of Canada’s 60th anniversary event in September and then onwards to India’s 75th celebrations in 2026. Jimmy can always be counted on to enjoy a friendly game of tennis, which he preferably follows up with some socializing on the beach with his friends and/or guests.

You can connect with Jimmy on Instagram here.

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