GSM @ Beacon Tennis Club

"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 having lessons with Matt at GSM tennis for a couple of years now. The difference from when he started, even though he had already been having lessons elsewhere, is incredibly.

Matt is amazing with him, he has fun but knows Matt is in charge. I would highly recommend Matt as a one to one coach. My son has also attended the holiday camps run by GSM, he has had a fab time and gained so much from the group sessions."

"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 a parent of an enthusiastic tennis child, I found that GSM was pivotal in the development and success of my son’s tennis over the past 10 years.

The tennis programme run by GSM, allowed for all abilities, the squads were well run and plentiful and GSM put the interest of each child at the heart of their programme by ensuring the right abilities were placed together to gain the maximum benefit during practice.

The squad coaching and also the individual coaching is excellent, with all of the coaches acting professionally in their reliability and planning of each lesson. Many of the young lads that my son participated with have gone on to play for the County in varying age groups including the Men’s County team.

GSM also encouraged these kids to ‘give something back’ by running the Young Assistant Coach programmes and offering ‘Saturday’ jobs, for the teenagers.

I would recommend GSM to any parent whose child is interested in taking up, or progressing in this wonderful game of tennis."

"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."

"The reason I train with Tom is because he is very supportive throughout your tennis journey. Tom gives you good advice along with making the lessons fun and exciting"

testimonial to tom