GoodHeart | Richard Ferdinand builds futures through sport, mentorship
Published:Saturday | October 11, 2025 | 12:09 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
For Richard Ferdinand, the courts of the Tryall Club in Hanover have never just been about tennis. For three decades, the Trinidadian-born director has used them as a platform to mentor, uplift and transform. The result: more than 4,500 children reached through a summer camp he created, and $64 million invested in building futures. The camp was born from a simple belief that every child in the community deserves a safe, joyful place to learn, grow and discover new passions. Each summer, local children arrive at Tryall and dive into tennis, golf, football, water sports, arts and crafts, team-building, mathematics, English and leadership activities, guided by staff and volunteers.
“The camp is close to my heart,” Ferdinand told GoodHeart. “It’s not about me. It’s about giving the children a chance to flourish.
Ferdinand’s journey began with five years at an international tennis management company before he moved to Tryall, where he has since worn many hats: tennis director, recreation director, guest services director and now director of club operations. Along the way, he has overseen water sports, sales and marketing, events, food and beverage, and the guest experience.
Tryall’s members encouraged him to further his studies at Cornell University and The University of the West Indies, Mona. Eight different managing directors later, Ferdinand remains a cornerstone of the club, proud of the evolution he has helped steer, from introducing a kids’ club and spa, to welcoming the Williams sisters for exhibition matches, to earning Green Globe Platinum certification.
But his proudest accomplishment, he insists, is not found in resort upgrades or glossy events. It is in the lives touched through the camp.
Among those who passed through Ferdinand’s programme is international tennis star Dustin Brown. In a recent testimonial, Brown shared: “I really like the idea behind the Tryall summer camp, and Richard and Tryall are really helping here. I profited from training at Tryall and with Richard from a young age myself. Everyone can benefit from tennis, whether becoming a professional or even going to college afterwards. I’m really behind this project, and I like that Richard and Tryall are doing their best.”
For Ferdinand, coaching a young Brown remains one of his most meaningful memories. “Dustin is proof of what can happen when talent meets opportunity,” he reflected. “But I’m just as proud of the many who went on to university, or simply became confident, well-rounded people.”
JOYS OF CAMP
Fourteen-year-old Athena, who has attended the camp for nine summers, described her joy simply: “My favourite thing is playing golf, going to math and English class, doing eco as well as playing tennis. The best part today was solving algebra equations.”
Asked what she would tell another child, she didn’t hesitate: “Come to make memories, try new sports, make friends, and do whatever you like.”
Her words echo the camp’s mission, to blend sport, academics and character-building into an experience that leaves lasting marks.
Recently, Ferdinand celebrated his 30th anniversary at the club he calls “my university, my home and my life.” Organised by members Tristan and Laura Alvarado, Kelly and Nicole Summerfeldt, Shelley Hoon Keith and Manuela Goren, the event doubled as a fundraiser for the camp.
“Tonight is about celebration…and ensuring the camp continues to change young lives for years to come,” he told guests.
He paid tribute to supporters, from the Tryall Fund Board, to sponsors CPJ, to the Rousseau sisters, chef Kevin Betton, staff, volunteers and family members who travelled from as far as Miami and Trinidad.
Personal touches, like Alvarado’s recounting of his 12,000-mile solo motorcycle journey, underscored the community bonds Ferdinand has forged.
In remarks that went beyond sport, Ferdinand reflected on the importance of valuing long-serving employees, citing the Japanese concept of Madogiwa zoku, or “window side tribe”. The practice honours veteran staff whose presence ensures continuity, institutional memory and mentorship.
“When you respect those who’ve dedicated decades, you reduce turnover and preserve knowledge,” Ferdinand said. “You also inspire younger staff to stay and grow.”
Tributes poured in, including a former camper-turned coach: “I came from the summer camp programme, and it set me on a path to coaching. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be at the level I am today. Thank you.”
Another colleague added simply: “Being a part of your journey has been spectacular. Keep up the good work.”