ETC Wins the Innovation Award

July 30th, 2025

Edmonton Tennis Community has been awarded the 2024–2025 Innovation Award by the Tennis Professionals Association (TPA), Tennis Canada, and Tennis Alberta in recognition of its outstanding leadership in grassroots tennis development and community engagement.

The award highlights the ongoing success of TENNISfest, a free annual event that introduces hundreds of Edmontonians to the sport. Recently completing its fourth year, TENNISfest 2025 welcomed 625 participants of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom picked up a racquet for the very first time. 

By removing cost barriers and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment, TENNISfest continues to demonstrate how accessible programming can open doors and build lasting connections in the sport. From newcomers to curious kids, the event has become a model for community-driven tennis development. TENNISfest gives participants a taste of what it’s like to take part in a sport for life.  

Karina Trkulja, Executive Director of Edmonton Tennis Community and the mastermind behind TENNISfest, recognized that tennis should be for everyone. The growing impact of the event affirms that tennis can be affordable, fun, and inclusive. By breaking down barriers to entry, ETC continues to build a stronger and more connected community. Edmonton Tennis Community offers affordable and accessible programming, bringing the community together to celebrate health, connection, and fun! 

The success of TENNISfest has also supported the growth of ETC’s other initiatives, including EMPOWER HER, a free girls leading girls mentorship workshop focused on collaboration, community, and the empowerment of women and girls in sport. Additionally, ETC has launched free one-day Try Tennis events, giving children the chance to engage with the sport in a smaller, more personal setting than TENNISfest. 

None of these milestones would be possible without the support of ETC’s dedicated coaches, Board of Directors, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and the broader tennis community. Their commitment and passion are the backbone of these programs and events. Without their support, none of these achievements would be possible.  

It is also important to recognize the leaders who continue to shape the growth of tennis in Alberta: 

• Karina Trkulja (Edmonton Tennis Community) 

• Danny Da Costa (Alberta Tennis Centre) 

• Ryan Schroffel (Royal Glenora Club) 

• Russ Sluchinski (Saville Community Sports Centre), and 

• John Crabb (Past President, Edmonton Tennis Community). 

As Edmonton Tennis Community looks ahead, it remains committed to building a more inclusive tennis community where everyone has the opportunity to step onto the court and feel like they belong. The Innovation Award is not just a recognition of past work, but a celebration of a growing movement to make tennis truly accessible for all.