Ed Large: Head Coach and Founder of Excel Tennis Academy
Favourite Player: Lleyton Hewitt
Favourite Shot: Topspin Serve
One thing not many people know about me: I love motorbikes and cars and have built a few of my own over the years
"I was 14 years old when I first started coaching tennis and I quickly became qualified and running my own groups by 16. At 19 I was Head Coach at Witney Lawn Tennis Club and founded the Excel Tennis Academy when I was 21. My goal has always been to create opportunities for children to get involved and learn to play tennis easily and affordably. Coming from a non sporty family I had to find my own way to learn and compete and there were very few opportunities. Having to retire from playing at 26 and teaching full time at 31 due to lifelong issues with back pain was incredibly tough. I was fortunate to know this was always possible though and this drove me to work hard to build a business that allowed me to continue to work with people, create opportunities for children to learn to play and stay involved with a sport I love. I am proud of what the academy has achieved over the years and excited by the plans we have for the future."