Iain Winstanley

Hi, I’m Iain Winstanley, a fully accredited Level 3 Tennis Coach with over 10 years of coaching experience. I’ve had the privilege of working with players of all ages and abilities — from complete beginners picking up a racket for the first time, to competitive juniors chasing tournament success.

I am also the founder of Bounce Back Tennis, a community programme built to help people of all ages discover (or rediscover) their love for the game.

Tennis has been my passion for as long as I can remember. For me, it’s not just about forehands and backhands — it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a genuine love for the game. Seeing players smiling, improving, and achieving something they didn’t think possible is what motivates me every day.

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My Journey

I first started coaching by volunteering at local clubs while working through my Level 1 and Level 2 coaching qualifications. During that time, I spent many hours on court at Exeter University, Willand Tennis Club, and Victoria Park. At the same time, I competed in tournaments myself and managed to win three titles, including the Westward Hoand Reigate Championships.

My first big step came in Surrey, where I had the opportunity to work under former Davis Cup player Lee Childs. Shortly after, I was offered a coaching role at one of Surrey’s best venues under the guidance of Russell Dykes, one of the county’s most successful coaches and tennis business owners.

Those early years weren’t easy. At one point, while studying for my Level 3 qualification, I had nowhere to live and ended up sleeping in my car — sometimes in temperatures as cold as -7 degrees. But no matter how tough it got, the dream of running my own programme one day kept me going.

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Building My Career

After earning my Level 3 accreditation, I became Head Junior Pro at David Lloyd Farnham. This role was a turning point for me. In just two years, I grew the junior tennis programme from 75 players across 5 days to over 250+ players across 7 days, complete with teams, tournaments, and a thriving community.

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My hard work was recognised when I was named:
🏆 David Lloyd Farnham Coach of the Year (2018)
🏆 David Lloyd Employee of the Year (2018) – an award that came with an unforgettable trip to Dubai.

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These experiences gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to start building something of my own.

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The Birth of Bounce Back Tennis

Then came 2020. Like many others, the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything. With tennis courts closed and my coaching programme on pause, I moved back to Devon to be closer to family. While working for the NHS during lockdown, I began to think about how tennis could help people recover physically, mentally, and socially from such a difficult time.

That’s where the idea for Bounce Back Tennis was born.

I started small — running free taster sessions, visiting schools to offer free lessons, and encouraging people of all ages to pick up a racket again. The goal was simple: to help people “bounce back” through tennis.

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Today, Bounce Back Tennis has grown into a thriving programme that offers:
🎾 Junior, adult, and senior coaching
🎾 Primary and secondary school tennis
🎾 Home education tennis sessions
🎾 Tournaments, fun days & birthday parties

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What began as an idea during lockdown has become a community movement. We now operate programmes in Devon, Hampshire, and Surrey, reaching more players than ever and helping communities fall in love with the game.

 

Why I Coach

Tennis has given me so much in life — friendships, opportunities, resilience, and joy. Now, my mission is to give those same opportunities back to others.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, a returning player, or a junior chasing performance goals, I’d love to help you on your journey.

As the founder of Bounce Back Tennis, I’m committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and fun environment where everyone can thrive on court. With programmes running in Devon, Hampshire, and Surrey, there truly is a place for everyone at Bounce Back Tennis.