A TENNIS coach from Port Glasgow has come up with a smashing idea to increase participation in the sport and beat the elements.

Ross Patrick has set up his own indoor academy in Greenock to teach people of all ages how to play while avoiding any rain delays.

The 20-year-old established Patrick Tennis Coaching earlier this year and will serve up his first class on Monday in The Old Auction Rooms in West Stewart Street and run Saturday sessions at the Scout Hall on Finnart Street from March 17.

The academy is initially aimed at children aged between three and 15 but will soon be rolled out to adults.

Ross, who grew up in the Port and now lives in Greenock, set up the business after helping to increase tennis club membership and participation across Inverclyde last year while working for a spell as head coach and development officer for the district.

He told the Tele: “I decided to start my own independent coaching business because I could see the potential and most importantly enthusiasm within Greenock and surrounding areas whilst I was head coach.

“However, due to the non-existence of an indoor option and the inconsistent weather in the west, I felt a need to provide a solution and now I’ll be coaching at The Old Auction Rooms and the Scout Hall.

“I’ll be able to offer greater focus on developing youngsters by being independent and of course being indoor.”

Ross is a Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) accredited coach and has just returned from London where he was completing a coaching qualification.

He has worked in schools across Inverclyde in his head coach role on behalf of Tennis Scotland, local clubs and the council.

He says the Andy and Jamie Murray effect continues to inspire people to take up the sport and he hopes to build on what has already been achieved in the area.

Ross said: “The buzz is still there from the Murrays’ achievements. I managed to help create a 120 per cent increase in participation in the area and I’m looking to increase it even further.”

For more information visit www.patricktenniscoaching.com or call 07798 523669.