Tea Tree Gully Tennis Club pays tribute to champion junior captain Jai Clarke
One of Adelaide’s top tennis clubs has paid tribute to a much-loved junior captain, who died in a buggy accident.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A champion junior tennis player is being remembered as a quality player and valued club member who was loved by everyone.
Tea Tree Gully Tennis Club junior captain, 16-year-old Jai Clarke, died after a buggy bike accident last Saturday – just a day after helping his team to the 2022 finals.
The Clarke family – parents Steve and Jo and younger brother Mitchell – have all been a big part of the club, and Steve has been a long-time state level player.
Head coach Jason Todd said the club and Jai’s family were still in shock.
“He was just a fantastic kid who went about his business on the court and was nice to everybody he came across,” Todd said.
“We’re still trying to get our heads around the news; it’s a great loss for the whole tennis community.”
Jai played at the Tea Tree Gully Tennis Club for 10 years, completing 16 seasons – winter and summer.
He played competitive matches from 2012 and quickly emerged as a spectacular A1 talent.
Junior co-ordinator Paul Crisanti promoted Jai to junior captain in 2019.
“He showed his potential right from the start as an eight-year-old and worked his way through the divisions,” Crisanti said.
“Junior captain is something I give to a boy or girl who’s been around the club for a long time and shows the characteristics of an all-round great person and leader and Jai was only 14 when I gave it to him.
“He was such a respectful kid, so well-mannered – a kid anyone would be proud of.
“He got on well with everyone no matter their age or background; he was easy to talk to and loved listening to people.”
Jai achieved an important doubles win for his team last Friday, helping the club through to the finals against Golden Grove next Friday.
Todd and Crisanti said it would not just be Jai’s team who missed him on the big night.
“You can see what kind of kid he was from all the tributes we’ve received. Half of them are from other clubs,” Todd said.
“His teammates and the whole club are going to miss him dearly, and so will the opposition because they loved playing against him – he was such a good sportsman,” Crisanti added.
Crisanti also said the club would explore the possibility of having next Friday’s games moved to Tea Tree Gully in Jai’s honour.
“Jason (Todd) is thinking of getting in touch with Golden Grove and knowing them they’ll be happy to have that match transferred here.
“It’s hit everybody in the community pretty hard; he was an excellent kid and player, and would’ve followed in his father’s footsteps.
“We can’t imagine what the family is going through at the moment and our thoughts remain with them.”
Family and friends of Jai are invited to attend his funeral at King’s Community Centre, 93-95 Wynn Vale Drive, Wynn Vale at 4.30pm on Thursday, March 17.
Adelaide Footy League club lands superstar signing for 2025
A local SA footy star and former SANFL captain and premiership player has joined an Adelaide Footy League club on the rise for season 2025.
Bartel’s best: Saints legend lists top teammates, opponents in stellar career
A Goodwood Saints legend has looked back on his career and picked his top opponents and teammates after being named as the top Adelaide Footy League player of the 21st Century.