Meet our team who are responsible for the development of tennis in the county.
John took over as President 3 years ago after Taylor Collinson stepped down. He is a qualified coach and is actively involved with Yarm Tennis Club. John has also been involved for a number of years in organising the ITF Wheelchair event held at Puma and also runs a tournament for Hearing Impaired children.
Anne is the County representative on the LTA Council and as such attends regular meetings at the NTC Roehampton. She worked for many years at Nat West bank before pursuing a coaching career. Her coaching activities centre on her club, Yarm Tennis Club, and on working with schools. Anne has played for the county at all levels and has captained the Ladies' teams for many years. She is a dedicated and hard working volunteer on behalf of the county.
Pat has worked as a volunteer for the County for many years, more recently taking the roles of both Secretary and Treasurer. She also has dealt with the allocation of Wimbledon tickets for some years. Pat played for Ashbrooke Tennis Club and also was involved as a volunteer at the club.
Nigel has been involved with tennis for most of his life. He was the County Performance Officer for the LTA for over ten years, whilst coaching at Tennis World in Middlesbrough. Nigel is highly respected in the UK by fellow coaches and has coached two National Champions, along with 8 girls and 5 boys who have represented Great Britain. The accolades go on with Nigel coaching over 25 players who have competed in the National Junior Championships. He has also coached two players who have played at Junior Wimbledon. Sarah Borwell was also coached by Nigel and trained at Tennis World. He now focuses his work at Tennis World and remains on the Durham & Cleveland Executive Committee.
Jo joined British Tennis in September 2007 having previously worked as a coach at Tennis World (Middlesbrough), Stokesley TC, Great Broughton TC, Reigate and David Lloyd Teesside. Jo was a very successful junior player and after leaving school went to America on a tennis scholarship. Her role covers the counties of Durham & Cleveland, Northumberland and Cumbria. She has a tremendous passion for the sport and has endless energy and enthusiasm. Jo plays for the County Ladies team every summer and winter.
Mike has worked for many years as a Performance Coach and has held previous roles of National Training Coach North East and County Performance Officer for Wiltshire as well as many other roles for British Tennis. In his current Talent Performance Coordinator role he covers Cumbria, Durham & Cleveland and Northumberland working with players under the age of 10 in accordance with the National Competition and Talent Framework. Mike is a lifelong Newcastle United supporter and attends as many games as possible when work permits. He is also known to play the occasional game of tennis and squash and even visits the gym when he is in the mood.
Graeme has worked in British Tennis for many years. Before taking his current post he worked as Tennis Manager for Durham & Cleveland and Northumberland. In his current Facility Project Manager role he covers a large area including Durham & Cleveland, Northumberland, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire and Scotland. Graeme is also a qualified coach and tutor.
Viv worked as the County Administrator for 12 years, but now that she has retired from the role, she is still involved with the county. This year, she will be orgnaising our Road to Wimbledon.
Lisa started working for British Tennis in February 2009. She previously worked from home on a self-employed basis doing work for Durham & Cleveland and Northumberland. Lisa is an accredited referee and is actively involved in Cullercoats Tennis Club.
Christine recently joined the team, in January 2010. She is an avid follower of tennis, and plays for her local club in Newcastle, and used to play for the girl's team at University of Glasgow up until 2007.She gained her degree from University of Glasgow in 2007, and since then has worked for Newcastle University, Newcastle College, and has been travelling around the world.
Durham & Cleveland LTA Sunderland Tennis Centre Silksworth Lane Sunderland SR3 1PD 0191 5225005 Durclev@LTA.org.uk