A Venue That Brings Generations Together and Builds Tradition
50 ǀ POSITIV Ridera Sport
A Venue That Brings Generaons
Together and Builds Tradion
Marn Schrebenský – a long-me member of the SK Vítkovice 1926 – Ridera tennis community,
recreaonal player and witness to its history – shares the story of how a single sports facility
evolved into a living organism where sporng heritage merges with modern amenies and strong
human connecons. For him, Ridera Sport is not just a place for physical acvity, but above all
an environment that fosters genuine friendships, supports the development of young players
and connually moves forward.
Mr Schrebenský, could you tell us how
you first got into tennis and what your
early days at SK Vítkovice 1926 – Ridera
were like?
My beginnings date back to around 1972,
when it was my father—an active player
at the same tennis club and later, until
his passing in 1975, a youth coach—who
introduced me to the sport. He taught
me the first steps and the basics of tennis,
which I continued to develop with other
coaches after he was gone. That era
is probably unimaginable for today’s young
players. We had a shortage of balls, and if
you wanted a better racket or equipment,
you had to rely on contacts in Germany
or Austria, or get it from players who
had travelled abroad. The joy you felt
when you finally got hold of something
you‘d been chasing for a long time was
indescribable. But it had its charm.
We had a great group of boys back then,
both in the juniors and youth categories,
who genuinely enjoyed tennis and spent
time on the courts, around the club, even
outside official training. We didn’t just
play tennis—we kicked around a football
and came up with all sorts of competitions.
I’m afraid things are no longer like that
today.
How would you say the Ridera Sport
complex has changed from the time you
were actively playing to the present day?
The facility has changed significantly—and
for the better. A range of amenities has
been built that we couldn’t even have
dreamed of back in the 1980s. Such
Amenities that are excellent for athletes—
there’s a swimming pool, massages,
a sauna, and a hall for winter play—are
probably the best in Ostrava. There’s
really a lot to offer. Players, coaches
and guests all appreciate the on-site café
and the chance to relax after a game
or use the recovery facilities. The current
owner is attentive and very committed
to making sure that players and their
guests feel comfortable here.
The venue is well suited to hosting both
competitive and recreational tournaments.
Especially in the summer, as it offers
a pleasant place to sit and spend time.
Do you still stay in touch with
the SK Vítkovice 1926 – Ridera club?
Are you involved in any of its activities
or development?
Yes, I do stay in touch with the club
by continuing to play actively here in my
free time. We’ve formed a great group
made up of both former competitive players
and recreational athletes. The tournaments
that Ridera Sport regularly organise for
these players help to strengthen these
friendships even further.
How do you perceive the current level
of tennis training and facilities
at Ridera Sport compared to the past?
I don’t closely follow competitive club-level
tennis, but I know there are skilled coaches
here who have a lot to offer to up-and-
coming players. The establishment of the
National Tennis Academy is proof that
the coaches here are doing an excellent job.
What I consider a truly positive initiative
is that young competitive players have
the opportunity to play alongside adults
in tournaments organised for recreational
players. They don’t only encounter casual
players, but also former competitive
players who can offer advice or introduce
them to different playing styles. It gives
the younger ones a chance to realise that
tennis is not just about power and hard-
hitting strokes, but above all about thinking
and strategy. It’s entirely up to them what
they take away from that experience
for the future.
Do you have any advice or message
for young tennis players who are just
beginning their journey at this club?
Tennis is a tough sport, mainly because it’s
an individual one—you can’t hide behind
anyone else as you might in a team sport.
You have to earn everything yourself. I’d
like to wish young, aspiring tennis players
to truly enjoy the game, just as we did
at their age, and not to throw in the towel
at the first sign of failure. It‘s very much
about hard work and perseverance—and
if they stick with it, success will follow.
Of course, not everyone can become
a Lendl or a Kvitová, but once you learn
the fundamentals of tennis, they stay with
you for life. Even if tennis doesn’t become
your career, you might still find a group
later on to play with just for the joy of it—
because tennis is a game you can enjoy
at any age.
Thank you for the interview.