As Wimbledon returns to television screens this summer, inspiring dreams of Centre Court glory, few people in Bath understand the enduring appeal of tennis better than Rich Little. As Head Coach at Bath Tennis Club, he has spent more than 30 years helping players of all ages discover a game that first captured his own imagination when he was six years old.
Rich’s introduction to tennis came courtesy of his father, who first taught him the basics before he received coaching at Swansea Tennis Club. Although rugby was another childhood passion, it quickly became clear where his sporting talents lay.
That early love of the game developed into a lifelong career. Today, Rich is one of Bath’s best-known tennis professionals, working with everyone from complete beginners to talented juniors and experienced club players. His approach combines technical expertise with a genuine enthusiasm for helping people enjoy the sport, whatever their age or ability.
Some of Rich’s proudest achievements have come through working with young players from their very first sessions on court and watching them develop into county-level competitors. Several have gone on to represent the county of Avon and compete in the prestigious Junior Road to Wimbledon tournament, held at the All England Lawn Tennis Club itself – a fitting connection for a coach who understands how powerful the Wimbledon dream can be.
Based at Bath Tennis Club since 2011, Rich sits at the heart of one of the city’s oldest sporting institutions. Nestled beside Victoria Park, the club has recently invested in its facilities and continues to grow, with six courts serving a membership of more than 300 players. The club has also expanded its Schools Links Programme, currently working with five local schools to introduce more children to the sport.
“I’ve always said you can make the club as competitive as you like or as sociable as you like – or a combination of both,” says Rich. “We’re a community-based tennis club and pride ourselves on being very welcoming and inclusive for all.”
That balance between competition and community is what Rich believes makes tennis such a special sport. While some members enjoy league matches and tournaments, others simply value the friendships, fitness and wellbeing that come from spending time on court.
Like many tennis fans, Rich will be following Wimbledon closely this year. His all-time favourites include Rafael Nadal and Martina Hingis – players admired not only for their success, but for their determination, intelligence and love of the game.
Looking ahead, Bath Tennis Club will host its Community Tennis Cancer Awareness Fundraiser on 13 September, bringing together members, families, local businesses and supporters for a day of tennis, fundraising and community engagement. For Rich, it reflects the values that have shaped both his coaching career and Bath Tennis Club: participation, opportunity and community and long after this year’s Wimbledon champions have lifted their trophies, those values will continue to inspire the next generation of players picking up a racket in Bath.
richlittletennis.co.uk | bathtc.co.uk
Photography by Joe Short, an award-winning
photographer based in Bath. joeshort.com