Introducing Our Racquets Manager – Nick Boys

Tell us a little of your background. What is your experience of the leisure industry?

For the last 20 years I have been involved in the tennis industry in various coaching roles around the world. I was lucky to be involved in running the IMG Bolletieri Academy based in Dubai as a first coaching role working with touring pros right down to the local schools program. After going back into the Sales and Marketing arena on returning to the UK I found myself missing the fun of being on court developing, players and programs so returned in a local club position and was soon running a 3 club program that created county and regional players who I still coach to this day. Recently, I have been based in a large centre in Milton Keynes developing their adult tennis, which often gets forgotten in clubs, and I have increased participation at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The last year has seen our teams winning all bar one of the leagues entered and I am looking to develop the same culture here at Club Towers but with the addition of the junior teams from Mini Red to U18 squads. A vibrant squash scene and winning teams are of course also on my radar. My overriding passion is creating a great atmosphere on and off court for members so they want to be playing more.

What attracted you to the position of Racquets Manager at Towers Health & Racquets Club?

I met Matthew Towers through my County LTA connections and we shared a similar outlook to developing tennis and squash in our home county. This, together with having such a fantastic facility to drive the shared passion for success meant the writing was on the wall! I can’t wait to see the members’ reaction to all our racquets programmes and their smiles as they really start to develop their games.

For me, whether you are a complete beginner or a top performing athlete, if you are engaged on and off court in your club there can be no better feeling, meeting old and new friends, and planning your next visit to do battle.

When recruiting for your staff, what will you be looking for?

My staff will want to go that extra mile to make sure you are completely happy and will want you to enjoy yourself on and off court. We will be recruiting a broad range of coaches to cover all ages and standards, that have the same desire, passion and drive to deliver the best programs.

Are you still playing?

I love competing and would play more competitions if I was able to; family and work commitments sometimes do not allow. I play on the Young Senior tour in this county and have won various International, National and County doubles titles and the odd County singles title. I think it is important for coaches to still play as it keeps the competitive juices flowing and you can bring it back to the coaching court.

What do you like to do when not working?

I have 2 young daughters who keep me very busy, swimming and playing tennis and I also play golf at my local club although my handicap keeps sliding! I also enjoy going out to restaurants and cinemas, and if I have had a good night out I’m likely to be on the dance floor. I try to find to find time for my family as much as possible but it is important to have regular friends’ nights out.

And finally…. who has been your biggest influence?

I was very lucky to spend so much time around great coaches at the IMG Bolletieri Academy but the stand out influence was Nick Bolletieri. Spending time on court with him I learnt so much on motivation and positive energy and he has always supported me over the years in my coaching, pushing me to do better and be the very best I can be to influence my clients in the best way possible.