07812441981
Danny@thongsbridge.org

ABOUT ME

I have over 12 years’ coaching experience and have worked with junior players at all stages of their development, from first lessons through to high-performance and university-level tennis. I spent eight years as part of the Hallamshire coaching team, including four years as Head Coach. During this time, I also worked as Head Tennis Coach at Sheffield Hallam University, supporting the development of university squads and helping players balance performance tennis with academic commitments.

While studying for my BSc (Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett University, I worked as Head Coach at Armley Tennis Club in Leeds. This role allowed me to combine my academic learning with hands-on programme leadership, player development, and day-to-day coaching management. My Sport and Exercise Science background underpins a structured, age-appropriate approach to training, with a strong focus on technical development, movement skills, physical preparation, and injury prevention to support safe and confident progression.
I have coached a wide range of players, from mini tots as young as three years old through to adult beginners and competitive players. This breadth of experience enables me to adapt my coaching style to suit different ages, abilities, and learning styles, ensuring each player feels supported, challenged, and motivated at every stage of their tennis journey.

My own tennis journey began at the age of three, giving me first-hand understanding of long-term player development from an early age. I represented Derbyshire as a junior and continue to compete, currently holding the Sheffield & District Doubles and Mixed Doubles titles for the third year in a row. My playing experience helps me relate to players at all levels and brings valuable insight into competitive development.
I place strong emphasis on clear communication and creating positive, inclusive learning environments. I work closely with players and parents to support long-term development, manage competitive pathways, and guide families towards UK and U.S. university tennis opportunities, while always keeping enjoyment, confidence, and individual progress at the heart of my coaching.

More recently, I have undertaken my BPCA Professional Padel Coach qualification (Level 1) and will be leading the padel programme at the club. With padel widely recognised as the fastest growing sport in the world, my focus is on introducing players of all ages and abilities to the game, helping them build confidence quickly, and creating an enjoyable and accessible entry point into this exciting sport.