Growing up in Taranaki there was no such thing as tennis coaching so it was a real eye opener for me while doing my last year of high school in Canberra when mum took me to see a famous tennis coach by the name of Charlie Hollis. Charlie had an amazing role call of players he had taught  including 2 time grand slam winner Rod Laver (some say the greatest of all time). Already 70 when we met he was tough, even a little scary (stood 6ft4) but for some reason I responded to his style (not that it's the same as mine) and tennis became my main focus. I spent 4 years on a full tennis scholarship in Texas which culminated in a huge honor for me being named in the All-American team in my senior year. My playing highlights include being as highly ranked as number 2 in the U.S with my Swedish doubles partner, 3 Taranaki Open titles along with provincial titles in Otago, Canterbury, Tasman, Wellington and Manawatu. Most  recently national singles and doubles titles in the over 40's.

COACHING- Originally coaching was a way to supplement my playing but I certainly learned a lot during 2 seasons in Germany and one in Japan at a large academy. After playing in the "National League" for Canterbury I started coaching and playing full time in Hagley Park. Being at Hagley for so long has given me the chance to deal with a huge variety of player from 3 to 83 years old, beginners and high performance players as well as learning to teach with big numbers of students on court. My philosophy is simple, "learning and fun"  and both can be achieved. I will never be a coach who is happy simply to entertain a group and send them on their way when there is so much to be taught in tennis which is  a very technical sport. I am happy to be on court with anyone who is motivated  regardless if  talented or a complete beginner. I believe my ability as a coach is in seeing what a student needs and knowing how to fix it. The coach is there to put you on track but the hard work and hours needed to be an elite player depend on the individual.

It was a tough decision to leave Christchurch but the opportunity to make a difference to tennis in my home town is one I really looked forward to. Thank you to Pukekura Park Tennis Club for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to seeing you on court.
(You can check out my old 'past' but best friend on YouTube "Caddy Tennis: Ball dog Academy" below).  

​See you on court,
Mark Belcher "Belch"
​Ph. 0274986363, mgbtennis@xtra.co.nz

​Pukekura Park Tennis Club Head Coach since September 2017

                                                                                      Coaching Staff

Nicola Irvine 

Nicola is an ITF qualified tennis coach. Nicola has experience coaching all ages and abilities from junior mini-tennis to talented adults, running both individual and group sessions. As a junior Nicola played at a national level in the UK, reaching the last 16 at U18 Nationals. Nicola played for the University of Bath 1st team and was on the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme. As a senior Nicola continued to play National Club League and represent at a county level. Nicola strives to help individuals reach their full potential and enjoy the game. 

Jordan Fleming

We are happy to have Jordan Fleming  assisting our coaching team this year. Jordan is an excellent player having been Taranaki men's  number one and nationally  top five under 18's as a junior.  As a player Jordan has a  great work ethic which now as a coach he hopes to pass on to our players.  Jordan has trained and assisted coaching at St Peter's under head coaches Gerrit Steencamp and Werner Venter. We look forward to having Jordan be a positive professional influence at the club.

Tomi Avery

Tomi is our current club champion and plays number one or two in the clubs Soffe Cup team.  While working on his own game he has also brought his enthusiasm to our junior players in our club porogram for the past two seasons. 

Will Roberts

Taranaki's top junior player Will recently reached the national doubles final and singles quarter final. Stints in Australia Korea and finally Fiji culminated in Will being the Fiji Open champion. Although still a junior Will brings his knowledge as an elite player to our junior program.