Tennis Greats Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich to Lead Afula Tennis Center
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Former tennis stars Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich will lead the new management of the Afula Municipal Tennis Center under the Israel Tennis and Education Centers (ITEC). The organization aims to promote tennis excellence and social-educational programs for all ages in the city. Mayor Avi Elkabetz noted the center will offer lower prices and high-level coaching, while ITEC CEO Eyal Ta'oz emphasized community engagement. Registration for lessons and an app for court bookings are expected soon.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich will lead the new management of the Afula Municipal Tennis Center.
- The Israel Tennis and Education Centers (ITEC) will manage the facility.
- The center aims to promote athletic excellence and social-educational initiatives.
- Mayor Avi Elkabetz stated prices will be 30% lower than before.
- ITEC operates 25 tennis centers across Israel.
- Registration for lessons and a court booking app are planned.
The Afula Municipal Tennis Center will soon be managed by the Israel Tennis and Education Centers (ITEC) organization, a move expected to invigorate the sport in the city. Leading the new management team will be former world-ranked doubles pair Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich, known as "Andyoni," who achieved a career-high ranking of fifth globally and won the 2008 Australian Open doubles title. Their involvement signals a new era for tennis in Afula, aiming to foster both athletic excellence and social-educational initiatives.
ITEC, Israel's largest and most professional tennis body, has a history of producing top players and aims to make tennis accessible to all ages and segments of the population. The organization views tennis courts as spaces for developing values, self-confidence, discipline, teamwork, and inter-community engagement. The Afula center's operation is intended to expand participation in the sport and provide residents with professional infrastructure and a pathway for personal and athletic development.
Mayor of Afula, Avi Elkabetz, expressed enthusiasm for the center's return to municipal oversight and its new management by ITEC. He highlighted that the center will offer active programming at prices 30% lower than before, with top-tier coaches. Eyal Ta'oz, CEO of ITEC, stated the organization is pleased to bring its expertise to Afula, emphasizing that success is measured not only by on-court achievements but also by the number of children engaged and the values instilled.
Andy Ram shared his excitement about contributing to tennis development in Afula, drawing from his own positive experiences with ITEC. He stressed the importance of professional infrastructure for the younger generation and ensuring the courts are open and welcoming to the entire community. ITEC currently operates 25 centers nationwide, utilizing approximately 200 courts and employing around 300 coaches, with professional activities overseen by Head Coach Ronen Morali and National Professional Director Yoni Erlich.
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