Ace Gregor’s return a big hit at tennis club

Oban Tennis and Squash Club (OTSC) have brought in a big hitter to ensure they smash the path out of lockdown.

Gregor Brydon has been appointed club coach and, working in partnership with Atlantis Leisure, is all set to serve up a safe programme for everyone to enjoy.

Billy Thomson, chairman of Oban Tennis and Squash Club, said: ‘These have been and continue to be very challenging times for us all and to be able to get outdoors and take part in sport has been of great benefit to the many that have been lucky enough to do so.

‘It is a great testament to Atlantis, its board and staff, along with Oban Tennis and Squash Club, that tennis has been able to be played, in some shape or form, for a few months now.’

The club is currently offering junior and adult coaching programmes alongside club nights, competition days and other events, all aimed at encouraging more people of all ages to get out and play tennis on the town’s quality courts.

‘We are very lucky to have Gregor and he has been busy delivering our club programme, alongside individual coaching lessons for those who want them,’ added Billy.

With more than two years of coaching experience in the USA, Oban-born Gregor is looking forward to bringing a new edge to tennis in the town.

‘Tennis in Oban has always been a huge part of my life and from a young age I have enjoyed being able to go down to the tennis courts and play matches as well as taking part in the West Highland Tennis Tournament,’ he told The Oban Times.

‘This is where I made my connection with the coaches and members of the Touring Team, from the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in Texas where I was invited to coach as a summer camp counsellor.

‘Since then I have returned, firstly in 2015 for 12 months when I was a ‘Ranch Pro’, and then again in 2018 for 18 months when I gained the role of co-director of the adult programme.

‘I have now returned home to Oban and it is great I have the opportunity to give back to the club and centre that started my tennis adventure all those years ago.

‘It has been brilliant to see lots of new people coming to the courts and giving tennis a go as lockdown eases. I am looking forward to seeing Atlantis Leisure as well as the Tennis and Squash Club continue to grow and bring a new age of tennis players into the game.’

Nick Wesley, general manager at Atlantis Leisure, said: ‘Having the tennis courts back open and being used well by the community has been such a positive for everyone at Atlantis this summer.

‘There’s also been a lot of enthusiasm for the tennis coaching that’s being delivered by Gregor.

‘I know the tennis and squash club members have particu

Gregor Brydon, foreground, is relishing his new role as Oban Tennis and Squash Club coach. Also pictured are OTSC chairman Billy Thomson, left, and Atlantis Leisure General Manager Nick Wesley.

larly enjoyed the courts being back open - even managing to host three Sunday club competitions held within Covid guidelines.’

Anyone interested in playing or learning to play tennis just needs to lift the phone to Atlantis or make contact through their Facebook page.

‘This is not a normal time for anyone and nor will it be for some time to come, so to be able to get out on the courts and play does give us all a bit of a sense of normal life as it was before. Hopefully we can build on that,’ added Billy.

‘With squash now also opening up for play, all be it in a much-reduced capacity, I would encourage everyone to get involved as much as they can.’

Squash court bookings for solo or same household play can also be done via the Atlantis Leisure website and booking app.