“My daughter has been a member of Charnwood Tennis Club since she was 8 years old. She first became interested in tennis after having some lessons in PE at school. She quickly wanted to play more and joined the Mini-Red’s on a Saturday morning…

During her time at Charnwood she’s always had a weekly lesson with Matt Wilford which she always enjoys. She loves the banter she has with him can now serve him a mean ace when she puts her mind to it. Matt has given her some invaluable tennis coaching over the years which is now paying off as now at 14 years old is now a member of one of the ladies teams…”

“As father in my late 40’s I picked up a racket so that I could have a reasonable knock about with my younger daughter.

My first lesson with Matt and a number of other parents was with a red ball! Several years on I now get regular group coaching with Matt, Caroline and infrequent individual lessons with Emily as I attempt to keep pace with my ever improving daughter. I realise it is a lost cause, but nevertheless enjoy trying.

Between the three of them they have taken me from a complete beginner to being able to play, sometimes quite reasonably. When I am unable to play for long periods and my game deteriorates, they stick with me; small tips, motivation and focus on strokes or game play, all help regain lost ground and make me a little better.

I’ve really come to enjoy the weekly sessions, and have developed an appreciation for a complex and challenging game that is greater than my ability. It’s thanks to Matt, Caroline and Emily’s enthusiasm and coaching skills that means that I can still give my daughter a run for her money!“

“My son has been a member of Charnwood tennis club now for nearly three years, he continues to thoroughly enjoy his lessons; that are a great mixture exercise, fun and the learning of important tennis skills. The court facilities at Charnwood are excellent and Matt and his team have a genuine love of the sport and an infectious enthusiasm to pass on this knowledge to the students.

Following a club event for students and Parents; I myself have joined as a parent member (even though I have never played before) which means I can now enjoy playing tennis with my son at the weekends for a very nominal fee. As well as formal lessons we have also taken advantage of the Summer holiday clubs which again are a great mix of fun activities as well as improving tennis skills.

I would greatly recommend Charnwood as a club and would say that Matt and his coaching team all appear to love to teach the sport of tennis; and do so in such a way that the Children never feel pressured, have a great time, while also learning the importance of great sportsmanship.”