Our Coaching Team

Nine LTA-registered coaches run group and individual programmes at Blackheath, from first-time beginners to county-level players.

A message from our Head Pro

Welcome to tennis at Blackheath. Along with our fantastic coaching team, we're here to help you enjoy and improve your tennis, whatever your level.

From four-year-olds picking up a racket for the first time to seasoned players sharpening their competitive edge, we believe tennis should be fun, inclusive and rewarding. Our coaching covers everything from basic technique to performance and county-level training.

Whether you're aiming for your first rally or your first tournament win, we're excited to be part of your tennis journey.

James CharmanHead Pro
James Charman kneeling at the net between two smiling junior players holding tennis rackets
James with two of our juniors.

Meet the coaches

Portrait of James Charman, Head Pro at Blackheath Lawn Tennis Club

Head Pro

James Charman

James leads coaching at Blackheath, shaping a programme that takes players from their first hand-eye skills through every stage of junior tennis and into adult social, club-team and performance play. His approach puts enjoyment and steady progress together: strong fundamentals, clear next steps and the right challenge for each player.

From a first rally to a first tournament win.

Portrait of Luke Westcombe, tennis coach at Blackheath Lawn Tennis Club

LTA Level 3 Coach

Luke Westcombe

A Blackheath member since 2007, Luke returned to London in 2018 to begin coaching and gained his LTA Level 3 qualification the following summer. He coaches junior groups and individual lessons for juniors and adults, from complete beginners to advanced club players, with an enthusiasm that is hard to miss—or, by his own admission, to hear over.

Away from court: basketball, cooking and jazz trombone.

Portrait of Artijeta Goxhuli, tennis coach at Blackheath Lawn Tennis Club

LTA Accredited+ Level 3 Coach

Artijeta Goxhuli

Artijeta brings 15 years of coaching experience and an exceptional playing background. She won the U18 Middlesex County Championships aged 12, competed nationally and internationally—including the Orange Bowl—and earned scholarships to the Nick Bollettieri Academy and an American university. She coaches every age and ability, with a particular love of precise technique.

Still competitive—especially over family Monopoly.

Portrait of Will Alexander, tennis coach at Blackheath Lawn Tennis Club

LTA Level 3 Coach

Will Alexander

Will combines LTA Level 3 and PTR training with a broad, player-led coaching style. His sessions draw on games, technical development, tactics, movement and court positioning according to what the individual or group needs. He works across junior ball stages, adult beginner and improver groups, individual lessons and the club's schools programme.

Also interested in art projects and one-handed backhands.

Portrait of David Kung, tennis coach at Blackheath Lawn Tennis Club

LTA Coach Instructor

David Kung

David is an accredited LTA Coach Instructor, trained across Mini Tennis, LTA Youth, Tennis Xpress and Cardio Tennis. He developed within Blackheath's junior programme and brings that team experience into energetic, well-prepared sessions. His motto is simple: have fun doing it.

Away from court: Cuban salsa, Dominican bachata and music.

Portrait of Clive Farrell, tennis coach at Blackheath Lawn Tennis Club

LTA Level 2 Coach

Clive Farrell

Originally from South Africa, I have been a member of the coaching staff for approximately eight years. I’m dedicated to helping players of all ages and abilities understand and enjoy the game, while developing their technique in a way that complements their individual style. Alongside the important core skills of technique and footwork, I place great emphasis on the softer aspects of the game, game management, teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship. My coaching experience includes: • Daily junior squads • Holiday camps • Individual lessons for juniors and adults • Organised adult drills and group sessions Enthusiasm for coaching should be reflected both on and off the court. Above all, have fun, through this we feel good!

Likes: White socks Dislikes: Black socks

Portrait of Jimmy O'Leary, tennis coach at Blackheath Lawn Tennis Club

PTRUK Tennis Instructor

Jimmy O'Leary

Jimmy is a qualified PTRUK Tennis Instructor, LTA-licensed coach and FA football coach. His career has taken him from the UK to the USA, Greece, Sardinia and Turkey. That international experience feeds lessons built around two things in equal measure: helping players improve and making sure they enjoy the work.

If you're not having fun on court, you're not doing it right.

Placeholder image — a photograph of Alex Rice is to follow

LTA Level 2 Instructor

Alex Rice

Alex is a LTA Level 2 Instructor Tennis Coach, currently working towards his Level 3 qualification. He first joined BLTC as a junior player back in 2011. Whilst at university, Alex competed regularly at a high level in the BUCS leagues. He continues to enjoy representing BLTC in league matches and likes to try his luck in the annual club champs. Since returning to BLTC in 2021 as a coach, Alex enjoys working with players of all ages and abilities; from beginner, intermediate and advanced players to performance-level competitors. Alex has gained high-level coaching experience delivering tennis holiday programmes abroad with Active Away and Neilson. These developed his adaptable coaching style, and expanded his knowledge of doubles tactics and winning strategies. Alex is available for individual and group sessions. Contact: +447527591399 alexdrice@gmail.com

Likes: • Sun • Hot weather • Forehand Cross Dislikes: • Cold • Rain • Wind • Overheads

Portrait of Dave Harrild, tennis coach at Blackheath Lawn Tennis Club

LTA Level 4 Accredited+ Coach

Dave Harrild

I have been a LTA level 4 qualified coach for 20 years. Coaching at Blackheath and Shooters Hill tennis clubs. I have played at Regional and. County standard and have won singles doubles and mixed titles at Blackheath Tennis Club and at Shooters Hill. I focus on developing technical, tactical, Mental and physical skills, while maintaining a welcoming environment where players can build confidence, consistency, and, above all, have fun playing tennis.