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

July 2026
Meet your Regional Representative for Australasia: Kerryn Pratt (IC of Australia)

Meet your Regional Representative for Australasia: Kerryn Pratt (IC of Australia)

Kerryn Pratt has enjoyed a lifelong connection with tennis, from competing at the highest levels of the game to building an award-winning career in sports media. A former Australian junior representative and WTA player, Kerryn has been an active member of the IC for more than 25 years and now serves as the IC Council Regional Representative for Australasia – supporting the ICs of Australia and New Zealand.

Growing up in a tennis family, Kerryn was one of Australia's leading juniors, representing her country through to the Under-21 level and competing at Junior Wimbledon. One of her fondest memories came in 1976 when she was part of the first Australian team to tour China alongside fellow junior Michelle Pekovic, and Australian legends Ken Rosewall, Mal Anderson and Neale Fraser – an experience that created friendships and memories lasting a lifetime.

She went on to compete on the WTA Tour and international circuit, playing in the main draw of three of the four Grand Slams, reaching a career-high ranking inside the world's top 150 in singles, and enjoying a standout doubles run to the Australian Open semifinals, earning Last Eight Club membership. Injury and health challenges brought her playing career to an early close, but tennis continued to shape her future.

While studying on scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport, Kerryn completed a degree in Sports Journalism before becoming Australia's first female sports reporter on network television. She later worked as a sports journalist with major broadcasters, produced the renowned 60 Minutes programme, and became a familiar voice as a tennis commentator across all four Grand Slams, as well as covering multiple Olympic Games and other major sporting events.

Having grown up aware of the IC through her parents – both former players and members – Kerryn was encouraged to become involved by her mother, Maureen McCalman Pratt, along with many respected figures including Cedric Mason, Frank Sedgman, Paul McNamee and Ken Rosewall. Since joining and becoming an active member more than 25 years ago, Kerryn served on the Committee of the IC of Australia, then as Secretary, Vice President and, until January 2026, as its first female President. "The sense of tradition and friendship of a unique community that brings together people with a shared history in tennis and a genuine love of the game is something very special," she says.

Among Kerryn’s favourite IC memories are international tours with fellow members, particularly representing Australia alongside her mother in Paris as guests of the IC of France, travelling with the touring team hosted by the IC of Great Britain at Wimbledon, and memorable visits to Prague and Luxembourg. Closer to home, she enjoys celebrating Australian tennis legends at IC of Australia events, welcoming visiting IC members, and the vibrant atmosphere of the annual Australian Open cocktail party. She has also been proud to help develop initiatives such as Beyond the Tour and the IC Grand Slam Reunion.

As Regional Representative for Australasia, Kerryn is passionate about ensuring the region's voice is heard within the international IC community. "I enjoy giving our region a voice at the IC table, especially as we are so far from the European hub," she says. "It's motivating to help grow the IC across Australasia and strengthen ties with our nearest neighbours. We love our Kiwi friends, and there's always a fun rivalry! It's a privilege to serve on the Council, represent our region and contribute ideas that help strengthen our amazing IC."

With her unique combination of elite playing experience, media expertise and longstanding commitment to the IC, Kerryn continues to be a passionate advocate for tennis, friendship and the values that unite the international IC family.

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