The Tennis Academy Staff

The Tennis Academy Manager: Richard Charman

The Tennis Academy is managed by Richard Charman, the Head of Physical Education at Merchiston.  A qualified PTR & LTA coach, he looks after the best interests of all members of The Tennis Academy.

He can be contacted on tennis@merchiston.co.uk

The Tennis Academy Coach: Marcel du Coudray

Marcel du Coudray is the Academy Coach. Marcel is 30 years old, and was born in South Africa. His previous employment was coaching professional players and promising juniors at the South African National Training Centre in Pretoria, as well as running his own Academy. He has worked recently on a part time basis with Nikolay Davydenko, and some Polish players including Grzegorz Panfil, winner of the 2006 Junior Australian Open Doubles. Marcel is experienced and enthusiastic, with an Internation vision, and fully appreciates the need for individual attention and a close working relationship between the children, parents, coaches and school staff.

The National Coach: Ellinore Lightbody

Ellinore Lightbody is the Scottish National Coach and organises the Scottish Performance Plan. She is involved in all tennis aspects of the Academy, particularly with the organisation of Tuesday and Thursday sessions at the National Tennis Centre in Stirling.