Nigel Watson Tennis School & Club, Invergowrie

Founded in 1986 when Nigel Watson, then a recently qualified LTA Intermediate Coach, took over an old disused Tennis Club in the village of Invergowrie on the western outskirts of Dundee, Scotland.

Nigel set up a coaching programme for juniors initially to try and restart Invergowrie Tennis Club. For a year this junior programme developed at a tremendous pace and soon there were 90 juniors being coached per week. The officials of Invergowrie Tennis Club then approached Nigel and asked him to look after the adults as well. It was at this time that he took over the Club and developed an adult section and programme. Teams were entered into local leagues and the venture expanded.

The old blaes courts were renewed and the clubhouse was upgraded. Within two years the numbers being coached had soared from 90 to 160 per week. Each year the Membership and Coaching Programme was altered to include new ideas and advantages. After levelling out in 1994 and 1995 to a figure of 250 per week, 1996 saw an increase to 260 per week. This was mainly due to an increase in adult players. To date the weekly average is around 250.

In 1992 the blaes courts were replaced with the present all weather acrylic topped courts. These have proved to be very successful both for playing on as well as coaching on.

NWTS STAFF

Nigel Watson qualified as an LTA Intermediate Coach at Lillieshall National Training Centre in March 1986. Brought up on his parents tennis court he has `played` since he was 5. He is an LTA Level 2 Licensed Coach. He is an LTA Instructor on the Tennis Assistants Course and is Secretary of the Scottish Midlands Tennis Coaches Association. Nigel plays in the NWTS Mens 1st Team. His other interests are WW2 Military Vehicles (he has a 1941 "Bren Gun Carrier" which he regularly shows), Endurance Riding (he crews for his wife Pam who is a Gold Series Rider), his home and garden, and not to forget his Great Dane "Walter".

Karel Rosenzweig joined Nigel in 1991 when Nigel had indoor tennis courts in a converted factory unit in Dundee. Karel is a Grade 2 Czechoslovakian Tennis Coach and also comes from a tennis family. Karel brings the continental influence to the School & Club proving an essential ingredient for top players wanting to learn clay court play. A qualified PE Coach Karel teaches volleyball, soccer and gymnastics in Dundee schools. Karel plays in the Mens 1st Team. He is married to Jacqueline and have a son Nicolas who is becoming extremely proficient on the tennis court, and Sophie their daughter.

Simon Lavery has come through the ranks of junior tennis at NWTS and is now an Coach Assistant. Gaining experience at the School he hopes to take his coaching qualification in the near future. Simon plays in the Mens 1st Team and is a Junior Team Manager. His ability as a player and his enthusiasm for the game makes him an ideal Assistant for the Tennis School.

Susie Roberts joined the Tennis School staff as a Coach Assistant at the beginning of the 2001 season. Having taken a year out from studies she starts her sports sciences course at a local university this October. A Scottish waterpolo player and experienced badminton player she brings her experience as a top athlete to the School and an ability of working with children of all ages, so much so she is proving a magnet for the youngsters she is teaching!

Invergowrie lies on the banks of the River Tay a few miles west of Dundee. It is the home of The Nigel Watson Tennis School, Scotlands first Tennis School. It also has one of Dundee`s most attractive Technology Parks. The Scottish Crop Research Institute has its headquarters in the village employing some 400 scientists and co-workers. The Swallow Hotel, Gourdie Croft Bar, Restaurant and Travel Lodge, The Marmalade Pot and Invergowrie Inn provide a wide choice of meals and accommodation closebye.

The main Dundee to Perth to Glasgow railway line passes through Invergowrie Station whilst the main dual carraigeway from Dundee to Perth and onto the west, north and south, passes nearbye, and not too far away the eastcoast route to Aberdeen heads away from Dundee.

Dundee itself hosts a variety of attractions for the visitor. RSS Discovery is berthed at the waterfront alongside a purpose built exhibition area. The North Carr Lightship is in the nearbye docklands. There are modern shopping areas situated in the docklands and centrally located Nethergate and Wellgate Malls. Plentiful restaurants and bars are scattered around the city providing a range of foods to cater for all tastes. Nearbye Perth, the Gateway to the Highlands is 30 minutes drive away and well worth visiting.