Matthew McGann winner of the Fermanagh Herald’s February Sports Personality award
ENNISKILLEN tennis coach Matthew McGann might spend more time teaching these days but his recent victory at the National Vets Open in Belfast proves he is still match sharp.
Asked about his success Matthew, the head coach at Enniskillen Tennis Club, said he is just playing well this year, saying that he was runner-up in the same competition last year.
Matthew explains that he hits a lot with performance juniors at the club but in his role as full-time coach he coaches all age-groups – across the board – at the busy Enniskillen club.
“We put kids in training groups from five to six years old, and usually by 10-11 years (old) we know better how they are going,” said Matthew.
Enniskillen tennis club courts are mostly artificial grass, which Matthew says is a bit fast, although they also have a rubber surfaced court which is slower. “Ideally a slower surface would mean the kids get to hit more shots.”
But at least all the club’s courts are all-weather meaning play can continue throughout the year, regardless of whatever the weather does.
Talking about tennis Matthew admits he has played the game ‘all his life’, saying his parents got him into it when they were living in Cork.
“I have always played tennis. In my early twenties I didn’t play much but once I started playing again I got into coaching the game.”
Since achieving his coaching qualifications Enniskillen was Matthew’s first full-time position and one which he has occupied for the past ten years or so.
Matthew explains there are two levels of qualification for tennis coaching.
The first level – Level One – is entry level and Matthew said he did that in Belfast, with this covering the basics of tennis.
Level two, which you have to go to Dublin for, goes all the way up to performance standard which allows Matthew to train kids right up to performance level.
And even though Matthew spends a lot of his time teaching others how to play tennis he still gets to compete himself and tries to take part in a few competitions every year – to keep his hand (and his serve) in.
“I won a few titles last year including the Irvinestown Vets tournament, and a few mixed doubles titles.
“I play doubles with some of the kids that I train but singles is what I enjoy the most” admits Matthew.
“I aim to play several tournaments every year.”
Talking about his success at the National Vets Open in Belfast Matthew was very pleased with his win but was underwhelmed by his prize.
“The event recently lost its sponsor so all I got for winning was a large towel.
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