Steve Butcher, the head coach at Your Advantage Tennis Academy, is one of the most highly qualified and experienced tennis coaches in the UK, and has been playing and coaching tennis for over 40 years; he tells us all about his work in an exclusive interview.
Steve’s interest in tennis started from a young age: during his school years, he was "always playing tennis".
Since those early years, his work has culminated in a highly reputable academy offering the North West London community access to high-level individual and group tennis coaching, events and tournaments; this includes developing players from club class to world class, introducing pickleball to the community, and offering a comprehensive coach training program.
Before he developed a passion for tennis coaching, Steve had initially set his sights on his "dream" of becoming a commercial airline pilot. This did not materialise because tennis occupied much of his time.
The first time he realised he wanted to coach tennis as a profession was when he was in the sixth form: "a lady from the local tennis club asked me to teach her to play" - Steve describes this as a pivotal moment for him.
Despite his tennis talent, Steve enjoyed coaching more than competitive play because he "preferred to see others doing well".
When asked about what the most difficult part of the job is, Steve singled out the long hours as the major disadvantage to a profession like his - he described his working schedule as "anti-social".
Steve also highlighted that a key skill required for his work is dealing with children and parents with very different personalities, needs and wishes. This requires understanding and skill in getting the best out of those he coaches.
Conversely, Steve identified working outdoors as a major benefit to his kind of work. He also recognised the rewards of being able to meet "new and interesting people".
Steve's mission is to ensure that all those wishing to play are given the opportunity to access quality tennis coaching, encompassing the technical, tactical, physical and mental skills that allow players to achieve the very best standard.
All of this is achieved in a fun, enjoyable and friendly environment for players from the age of three through to the elderly.
