The Coaching Team
Elstead Village Tennis Club
DOUGLAS BARKER
Head Coach
Tennis and Pickleball
After competing in County and Regional events as a junior player, Douglas qualified as a PTR ‘Pro’ level qualified tennis coach and a LTA Level 3 Accredited + Tennis Coach. (BSC Hons – Sport and Exercise Science, Leeds University). He has gained a lot of experience as a coach and is enthusiastic about helping players of all ages improve their abilities and enjoy their tennis. Douglas is especially passionate about developing the next generation of players. In addition to his tennis credentials, he is also a Level 1 PPR pickleball coach, allowing him to offer guidance in this fast-growing sport as well. Douglas is available for private lessons, hourly rate £40 for tennis and £30 for pickleball.
“I was very lucky to grow up a short walk away from the tennis club and have many fond memories of playing at the club with my friends and family, as well as the excellent coaching I received. I would love for as many junior players as possible to be able to have as positive experience as I did growing up.” – Douglas Barker
MARK PADFIELD
LTA Accredited Coach (Bsc. Hons Sports Development – Cardiff)
Tennis
Mark is an LTA Level 3 Accredited Coach, who has joined the Elstead coaching team after 20 years working at the LTA, in various roles, both on and off court.
Mark was a frequent visitor to Elstead during his 8 years as Talent & Performance Coordinator for Surrey, a role which included supporting the development of young players (aged 7-12) and their coaches, on the performance pathway. Mark also enjoyed working at Regional and National Camps and captained the GB 11U and 12U boys against teams from Europe.
Most recently, Mark has worked in the LTA Competitions Team and is a qualified Competition Organiser and Referee. He is passionate about helping players of all ages to learn how to compete at all levels of the game and reach their potential, whilst prioritising enjoyment and learning the life skills that tennis can offer.
Mark is available for private lessons, hourly rate £35.
“Tennis has provided me with some amazing experiences and is truly a sport for life, where you can pick up and racket at any age and meet new people. It’s important to work on technique, but I always recommend just playing the game as a great way of improving and getting the most enjoyment out of the sport”.
Will Flavell
LTA Accredited Coach
Tennis
Will Flavell is an LTA Level 3 coach who trained full time in Spain as a player.
With a rich background in competitive tennis and a passion for nurturing talent, Will brings a unique blend of playing experience and coaching expertise to the court.
Committed to shaping well-rounded players on and off the court, Will emphasises values alongside on-court performance.
Will is available for private lessons and his hourly rate is £35
Sam Williamson
LTA Accredited Coach
Tennis and Pickleball
Having discovered the enjoyment of recreational tennis at secondary school many years ago, Sam trained to become an LTA Level 2 Accredited Tennis Coach under the guidance of Barbara Awbery at Elstead and has been coaching a range of ages and abilities for 15 years!!
Sam is very keen to encourage more girls into tennis and have completed Judy Murray’s Miss-Hits and She Rallies qualifications, which are part of her initiative to inspire more women and girls to take part.
Sam enjoys playing in the local Aldershot leagues, where she is also a member of the committee, helping to encourage adults to continue playing. Additionally, Sam is qualified as a Level 1 Pickleball Coach, regularly competing in pickleball competitions
Sam is available for private lessons, hourly rate £28.
Andy Williamson
Pickleball Coach
Andy has Level 1 coaching qualifications from both the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) and Pickleball England (PbE). He specialises in helping beginners get comfortable with the game and developing a solid foundation. His coaching style is focused on creating a fun, supportive environment where new players can build confidence and skills, from mastering basic techniques to understanding game strategies.
He finds great satisfaction in watching players grow, whether they are picking up a paddle for the first time or working on shot consistency and placement.
Andy is available for private lessons, hourly rate £25.
Stephen Luke
Pickleball Coach
Stephen was one of the original pickleball players at Elstead and has a real passion for the sport. He actively encourages others to play, participates in tournaments and a local league. He has completed the PPA Level 1 Certified Coach course and is a Pickleball England Level 1 Club Instructor. With a strong command of teaching the game’s techniques, strategies and rules, Stephen helps players to achieve their best.
His approach to training is rooted in creating a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable learning environment that fosters confidence, skill development and a love for the game. He has the drive and ability to develop beginners and improvers, whilst highlighting the benefits of joining one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.
Stephen is available for private lessons, hourly rate £25.
Elstead Village Tennis Club
Burford Lodge Recreation Ground
Gala Lane
Elstead
Surrey GU8 6FG
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