HISTORY OF THE IRTPA AND ITS FORMATION
The professional players formed their original association in the UK in 1975 – Real Tennis Professionals Association – ‘RTPA’ with the American professionals – United States Court Tennis Professionals Association – ‘USCTPA’ following a year later in 1976. Australia and France’s professionals had representation for their professionals with the formation of the IRTPA.
In November 2001 during the British Open, the CEO of the then RTPA, Susie Falkner, invited her counterpart of the USCTPA, George Wharton, over to the Queen’s Club to meet and discuss closer ties between the two associations.
It was agreed there was a necessity for professional representation in the four playing countries to be led by one association, and to be one voice. The new name would be the International Real Tennis Professionals Association.
February 2002 saw the legal formation of the International Real Tennis Professionals Association – ‘IRTPA’. In 2006 the association became incorporated under the Companies Act as a Limited Company.
The IRTPA
The IRTPA is the sole incorporated body that has the legal authority to represent and advocate for the court tennis and real tennis professionals on a global scale, acting in its collective representation of the worlds’ professionals.
Patron
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG GCVO ADC
"As a peripatetic player I can, perhaps, appreciate more than most the role, time and effort our professionals dedicate to their clubs and the members as well as the values they uphold. The fact that so many often consider their profession as a way of life rather than a job is what helps to make our sport unique.
Board Directors
Robert Fahey
Ben Ronaldson
Ben Ronaldson
IRTPA Executive Responsibilities
Chief Executive
Susie Falkner
Executive
Chris Chapman, Claire Fahey, Robert Fahey, Darren Long, Camden Riviere, Ben Taylor-Matthews
Training Executive
Claire Fahey, Robert Fahey
Deputy Chairman
Chairman
Robert Fahey MBE OAM
PROMOTE
The IRTPA promotes the role, expertise, and value of real tennis professionals at every level of the
game. We work to raise the profile of the profession, celebrate excellence, and strengthen
awareness of real tennis globally. Through advocacy, communication and collaboration with
governing bodies and clubs, we help ensure the sport continues to grow in visibility, relevance
and reach.
SUpport
We support real tennis professionals by providing guidance, representation, and a collective
voice. The IRTPA offers advice on employment matters, professional standards, education and
wellbeing, helping members navigate challenges and opportunities throughout their careers.
Our aim is to foster a strong, connected and resilient professional community.
advance
The IRTPA is committed to advancing real tennis through education, professional development
and the sharing of best practice. We work to improve standards of coaching, playing and
officiating, while encouraging innovation and sustainable development. By investing in people
and pathways, we help secure the long-term future of the sport worldwide.
protect
We protect the interests of real tennis professionals by promoting fair treatment, ethical conduct
and strong governance. The IRTPA advocates for transparent structures, clear regulations and
respect for professional roles within the sport. We work to safeguard both individuals and the
integrity of real tennis at all levels.
