Like most men teetering past their prime, I’ve always harboured the notion that I should make a late challenge for the Wimbledon mens titles. The main problem with this audacious plan is that I haven’t really played tennis for 10 years.
Dan Travis quickly spotted this latent desire in me and coaxed me down to one of the Tennis Tigers weekend tournaments. The quality and age range was varied but the quick fire format was perfect ensuring that if you were being thrashed by a 15 year old Russian girl it wouldn’t last for too long!
My dreams of Wimbledon glory were however quickly cut short as Dan pronounced me as ‘mildly proficient’ it was however a great afternoon that re-kindled my love of tennis. Bring one the next tournament when I hope to beat you!
Endorsements
The fact my specialist subject is Physical Education meant that working with the Tennis Tigers would help me in so many areas of my teaching. As an assistant coach I used the skills I had learned at University in a practical and out of school context through developing my own confidence and building relationships with children and their parents.
The best part was the course was that it was outdoors and active. I enjoyed learning so much in a space of a weekend and the feeling of achieving something that I can use for pleasure and professionally.
Working with Tennis Tigers as an assistant, teaching skills and reinforcing what the children already know though providing an enjoyable stimulating and active environment.
Being paid to do something which is really enjoyable is great! Working with children and building their skills in something they are passionate about is so rewarding and being paid for it at the same time is even better!!
Working for tennis tigers has helped me as a teacher because I can pass the skills I learn directly to the children. I also gain a better understanding of how to expand my current knowledge of working with children with special needs and those with English as a foreign language.
Taking the Nike Community coaches award has allowed me to learn new skills, learn new games and ideas and adapt to new coaching methods. I was able to meet other coaches and colleagues and enhance my professional development.
I have been training children in the Tennis Tigers after school club and helping with the Weekend sessions and the Mini and Junior Tournaments.
Being paid for something I love doing. I really enjoy working with the under 11’s. I enjoy helping them develop and achieve through sport to develop confidence and self esteem.