At what age did you start playing Tennis?

I started playing tennis when I was 12 years old and my first racket was a large, heavy wooden slazenger racket, grip size 5!

 

How did you get into coaching?

I did some helping at the local leisure centre when I was 15/16.  Then did my LTA level 3 and 4 when I was at University and worked in London during the summer holidays.  When I left University I was not sure if I wanted to be a teacher or tennis coach, so I did both part time and soon discovered that coaching was the one for me.

 

What are your credentials / past experience, for working in your position?

I have over 30 years of coaching experience and I am a LTA level 5 performance coach.  I have coached national champions and international level juniors.  I was Hertfordshire’s Boys Under 14 captain for 10 years and have a wide experience in managing coaching teams and designing successful coaching programmes.

 

How would you describe your current role and responsibilities?

I am the Director of Tennis at Chorleywood with overall responsibility for the coaching programme and coaching team.  The overall main aims are to provide a professional service, a clear coaching structure and increase the membership levels at the club.

 

What do you enjoy about your role at Chorleywood Lawn Tennis Club?

I love the challenge of improving all aspects of coaching at the club, working in partnership with the committee and trying to increase all levels of play at the club.

 

What challenges do you see facing the sport?

I think the greatest challenges for tennis as a sport is making it more accessible and increasing participation numbers when we have so much more competition for people’s leisure time.

 

What is one thing you constantly spot with pupils with that you want to fix?

Lack of appreciation of the importance of the correct contact point.

 

What’s your favourite Movie?

I do love Star Wars and James Bond.  Just finished watching The Tiger King on Netflix…crazy!

 

What do you enjoy doing when you are not coaching?

I am a massive Spurs fan, I have a season ticket…I sometimes enjoy watching them play!  I also enjoy swimming, live comedy and spending time with my family.