Arica Tennis Coach Criticizes Club Shift From Youth Programs

Arica Tennis Club Must Vacate Estadio Carlos Dittborn by Year-End

The Club de Tenis de Arica faces an eviction deadline of December 31, 2026, forcing leaders to vacate their courts at Estadio Carlos Dittborn due to a municipal water debt originating from a prior mayoral administration, as reported.

Dispute Over Private Club Status and Youth Programs

Patricio Martínez, known as “profe Pato” in the tennis community, contends that the club has shifted toward a private model. According to Martínez, Sunday court access is restricted entirely to club members, while independent coaches face scheduling conflicts that disrupt lessons for children. Martínez noted that current leadership curtailed financial support for community youth players upon taking office, while favoring children of club members.

Class Suspensions and Declining Support for Junior Players

The prioritization of adult tournaments over youth instruction has forced repeated cancellations, according to Martínez. He stated that training sessions had to be suspended or relocated for three consecutive weeks, and that coaches received notifications via WhatsApp restricting Sunday court availability. This contrasts with previous administrations, which Martínez said supported junior entries and national tournament travel.

Absence of Long-Term Youth Development Planning

Martínez stated that current club leaders have failed to implement a structured development plan for junior athletes, despite requests for assistance. With 39 years of experience coaching basic forces in Arica, Martínez recalled that the Estadio Carlos Dittborn courts initially received institutional backing when development efforts began in 1987. Independent instructors operating at the municipal courts currently pay rental fees for court usage, under arrangements overseen by the municipality.

Water Debts Led to Revoked Municipal Concession

The municipal concession was revoked under a previous mayoral administration due to accumulated water consumption debts that are currently undergoing reliquidation. While club directors argue that vacating the stadium harms social outreach programs for children, coaching staff point to internal management decisions as a primary driver of the current friction surrounding court access and junior tennis programming.