OUR
COACHES

Matt began his tennis journey at County Junior level and earned his first senior cap for Yorkshire in 1991. Later that year, he moved to the U.S. on a tennis scholarship to attend Brunswick Junior College, then ranked No. 2 nationally. After returning to the UK in 1994, Matt competed professionally on the British Tour and ITF Futures circuit. His playing career also included German League tennis and a coaching and playing stint in Australia.

A lifelong learner, Matt regularly attends coach education seminars and workshops and has been mentored by some of the world’s most respected coaches.

He has coached some of Yorkshire’s top junior talent, with several of his players going on to compete internationally and represent Great Britain. Matt is also a two-time Yorkshire Men’s Doubles Champion (2005 & 2006) and still enjoys competing when time allows.

Passionate about player development, Matt focuses on instilling a strong work ethic and helping every athlete reach their full potential both on and off the court.

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Steve has been playing tennis since the age of 6 and represented Herefordshire & Worcestershire at junior county level up until the age of 15. He played senior men’s tennis for his club from age 13 and went on to captain the Men’s 1st team. Steve has been a part time coach since the age of 15, but went full time in September 2019 when he joined the Strive Tennis coaching team.

Steve coaches a wide range of ages and abilities, and focuses on developing players by encouraging enjoyment in the game and the long term benefits of learning and playing tennis. Steve’s involvement in tennis is not just focused on coaching, as he has been a member of the Association of British Tennis Officials since 2001 and has officiated at many local and national tournaments as a line and chair umpire. Steve can be seen working as a Line Umpire at Wimbledon every year. In 2021, Steve also became a licensed referee and runs tournaments at Harrogate Spa Tennis Centre throughout the year.

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Chris is an experienced tennis player and in his younger days has represented Warwickshire, Suffolk and Yorkshire at county level. His coaching and related experience is: county coach in Suffolk, LTA North East regional coach,·a former coach education tutor for the Lawn Tennis Association, accompanying GB representative teams to international tournaments/training camps in Europe with the Lawn Tennis Association.

Leo began playing tennis at age 10 when he joined Harlow Tennis Club, quickly developing a passion for the game. Over the years, he has competed in tournaments across the country and continues to enjoy playing at a high level.

He began coaching in 2021 and has since progressed to become a qualified LTA Level 2 Coach. Leo works with players of all ages and abilities, and particularly enjoys helping players refine their technique and take their game to the next level.

Leo finds real reward in seeing his players improve and grow in confidence. He has a keen eye for advanced technical development and loves sharing his knowledge and experience with those eager to improve.

Leo is committed to continuous learning and development as a coach, and brings both passion and professionalism to every session.

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Tom is a passionate LTA Level 2 Coach who brings energy, encouragement, and a player-first approach to every session. With a strong background in both playing and coaching, Tom enjoys working with players of all ages and skill levels from complete beginners to those looking to compete.

Dedicated to his own development as a coach, Tom is always learning and refining his skills to deliver the best possible experience on court. Whether you're picking up a racket for the first time or aiming to take your game to the next level, Tom is ready to help you get there.

Tom is especially focused on creating a positive learning environment where players feel supported and motivated to improve. He believes in making tennis fun, accessible, and rewarding, helping players grow in confidence while developing solid technique and a love for the game.

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Sofia is an LTA Level 1 Tennis Assistant Coach working towards her Level 2 qualification and a proud member of the Strive Tennis team. Sofia started playing from a very young age and developed a natural love for the sport.

Now stepping into coaching, Sofia brings great enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a relatable approach to working with younger players. Alongside her role at Strive, she also volunteers as a tennis coach at her school, sharing her passion and skills.

Sofia is especially keen on helping beginners feel comfortable on court and enjoys being part of each player’s journey as they build confidence and improve. With her strong tennis roots and friendly style, Sofia is a fantastic role model for the next generation of players.

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Niamh is an enthusiastic and dedicated LTA Level 1 Tennis Assistant Coach, currently working towards her Level 2 qualification. A strong club player herself, Niamh brings both experience and a love for the game to every coaching session.

She enjoys working with younger players and beginners, helping them build confidence and develop solid fundamentals in a fun and supportive environment.

Her friendly, approachable style makes her a great role model on court.

As she continues to grow as a coach, Niamh is committed to learning and improving, always looking to bring new ideas and energy to her sessions.

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Kathryn is a valued member of the Strive Tennis team, known for her friendly nature, positive energy, and love of working with players of all ages. As a Level 1 Tennis Assistant Coach, she plays a key role in supporting sessions, helping players feel welcome, confident, and encouraged on court.

With a calm and caring approach, Kathryn is especially great with younger players and beginners, always ready with a smile and helpful advice. She enjoys being part of the learning process and takes pride in seeing players grow and enjoy the game.

Kathryn brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a real team spirit to everything she does at Strive.

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