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Russell Dykes
How long have you been at Reigate Priory LTC: I am lucky enough to have been Head Coach since 2006! I have loved every minute and have enjoyed seeing players of all ages develop through our programme.
Earliest playing memory: I remember starting when I was about 4, using an old Bjorn Borg wooden tennis racket – It was almost the same size as me! My family all played and being the youngest I wanted to be good enough to join, which created my early drive.
Favourite tennis player: Roger Federer - My hero and probably the reason I changed career paths from marketing to tennis coaching – to play and teach others to play like him.
Coaching philosophy: Footwork, hit 1000s of balls, have lots of fun and make everyone smile!
What do you love most at Reigate Priory LTC: The beautiful setting - We should rename where we are Reigate Priory Sports Park, plus its just 2 mins from the high street, yet feels like the middle of the country.
If you could have dinner with any tennis great who would it be: John McEnroe, played when tennis was at its best or Steffi Graf!
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George Ellis
How long have you been at Reigate Priory LTC: I first started Coaching at RPLTC in 2015 and over the years I have met many lovely people who have kept me coaching here! My interest in coaching grew when I started helping out at the age of 16 at Leatherhead Tennis Club.
Earliest playing memory: My friend Rebecca introduced me to tennis when we were very young. We used every opportunity to adapt an activity to incorporate tennis. I hit loads of balls against the garage wall and finally succeeded in taking it over as a hitting wall rather than a horticultural wall!
Favourite tennis player: Rafael Nadal. I admire his work ethic, his intensity, discipline and his humble manner. As a left handed player myself I found it particularly helpful to watch him play when I was younger.
Coaching philosophy: Firstly, one needs to develop as an athlete and build tennis skills on this foundation. My focus is on a good warmup as I feel that sets the tone for the lesson. My main emphasis then is on footwork, technique, stamina and attitude.
What do you love most at Reigate Priory LTC: For me it has to be the peaceful surroundings yet accessibility to the town.
If you could have dinner with any tennis great who would it be: Nadal..it would help my Spanish!
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Kate Young
How long have you been at Reigate Priory LTC : I first started coaching at Reigate Priory LTC in 2017, I love the diversity of the club and working with all ages and abilities.
Favorite tennis player: Rodger Federer - to me he is pretty much complete and what he has achieved is incredible. Having a single-handed topspin backhand myself, I love to watch his timing and his ability of hitting it from anywhere on the court.Earliest playing memory: My dad taking me to our local club for a hit on a weekend - his enthusiasm and passion for the game rubbed off on me and I was hooked. I enjoyed just hitting lots of balls... and eventually beating him. I was fortunate enough to start to have some lessons at Sutton Tennis Academy and the rest is history.
Coaching philosophy: Good movement is key along with a solid foundation of technique, take every opportunity to hit balls... even against the wall (it never misses!). The sky is the limit with the right attitude and hard work.
What do you love most at Reigate Priory LTC: The setting is beautiful, the club has a friendly atmosphere with a great mix of playing and social. Having the grass courts in the summer gives it a very special feel.
If you could have dinner with any tennis great who would it be: Bjorn Borg
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