Erik van Eck has coached tennis at Morningside Country Club for 35 years.
There have been many highs and a few lows over this time, and the coach met with Sandton Chronicle to discuss them. “I started working as a young coach for Spanns of Tennis, under Anne Spann, a Wimbledon doubles winner,” Van Eck explained.
“I later bought the academy from her and have been able to connect with many different people as a coach. My whole family plays tennis and my son, Cord is the men’s club champion.” Van Eck’s wife, Lesley also plays at the club and their daughter, Tayla has a tennis scholarship at Winthrop University in the USA.
The Erik van Eck School of Tennis caters to players from four years old to players in their 80s. “There is nothing I don’t like about my job. As a coach I get to help people improve as tennis players as well as people. Tennis teaches decision-making and discipline. So even if the person does not continue with the sport, their coaching helps them become better people in life.”
Sometimes, he said, the older players are a bit harder to get through to as they can be set in their ways. Hence, improving technique is easier for younger players but is always determined by how ready someone is to be taught.
“Morningside Country Club’s tennis section has a great social aspect to it. It’s a place you can come with your family on a Saturday or Sunday and play together. We have social as well as league games and coaching so there is something for every level.”
He said the tennis section also hosts social events such as quizzes, dances, Christmas parties and round robins.
Details: Morningside Country Club 011 803 1805; Erik van Eck 083 440 2646.
