OUR COACHES

Charles du Toit

Head Tennis Pro/ Head Coach, Founder and Tournament Director

QUALIFICATIONS

Charles du Toit currently holds the position of Head Tennis Pro at Great West Fitness & Tennis Club. He is also the founder of Valley Tennis Academy at the club and serves as the Head Coach. Charles comes from a tennis family with a long, reputable playing and coaching tennis background. With over 16 years of experience in tennis teaching, Charles has worked at highly respected tennis academies worldwide, including Vandermeer Tennis Center in South Carolina (USA), Julian Krinsky School of Tennis in Philadelphia (USA), Langley Tennis Centre (Canada), and Total Tennis in George, South Africa.

Born in South Africa, Charles began playing tennis at the age of four under the guidance of his father, Andre du Toit, who ran one of the largest and most successful tennis academies in South Africa at the time. Charles excelled as a South African junior tennis player at a top provincial and national level. He was also involved in competitive rugby and track & field. After moving to
Canada, Charles continued to showcase his tennis skills, competing at a high provincial level in BC tennis U16 and U18 and participating in schools' provincial track and field events. He pursued his education in Kinesiology at Trinity Western University in British Columbia.

Notably, Charles's younger siblings, Trudie and Riaan du Toit have also had remarkable junior tennis careers and have participated in national and international competitions. Trudie received a Division One scholarship at the University of Oregon, while Riaan received a Division One scholarship at the University of New Mexico and competed on the men's ATP pro circuit.

Charles's philosophy for creating a lasting passion for tennis relies on a holistic approach. This approach includes implementing progressive and exciting tennis lessons, facilitating technical and tactical development, and engaging players in rallies and point play. By combining these elements, he believes players will develop a profound and lifelong love for the sport and reach their full potential. Charles has extensive experience working with players of all levels, from beginners to top High-Performance players. Charles can assist you in achieving your goals and elevating your tennis skills. Connect with Charles today to embark on an exciting journey towards tennis excellence!

Riaan du Toit

Professional High-Performance Trainer:

QUALIFICATIONS

Riaan du Toit, Charles's younger brother, set a remarkable journey in the world of tennis that began at a young age under the expert guidance of his father, Andre Du Toit. Recognised as one of South Africa's most accomplished tennis coaches, Andre instilled in Riaan the discipline and extensive knowledge of the game from an early age.

From the tender age of six, Riaan picked up a tennis racket for the first time, displaying natural talent and unwavering determination. Throughout his youth, his passion for the sport, talent, and dedication propelled him to the top of the rankings in the BC province. For an impressive period spanning from U12 to U18, Riaan consistently held either the number one or number two position, a testament to his exceptional commitment and unrivalled skill. Driven by a burning desire to excel on the international stage, Riaan ventured beyond national borders, competing in prestigious tournaments across the globe. His hard work and relentless pursuit of excellence paid off when he earned an esteemed Division 1 scholarship to the University of New Mexico.

Riaan's unwavering determination prompted him to pursue professional tennis boldly. Despite reaching the age of 27, he continues to compete on the international circuit, fueled by an enduring passion for the game that knows no bounds. Today, Riaan du Toit is a valued member of the Valley Tennis Academy team, where his expertise and unwavering love for tennis inspire others. His remarkable journey is a testament to his unrelenting pursuit of excellence and his desire to ignite that passion among fellow tennis players.

Andre du Toit

Coach

QUALIFICATIONS

Tennis coach Andre du Toit possesses a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in coaching, training, and managing tennis players at all skill levels. With a prestigious coaching certification from the International Tennis Federation, Andre is exceptionally equipped to guide players towards resounding success on the court. Moreover, his profound insights and expertise are bolstered by a Bachelor's degree in Sports and Exercise Science.

Perhaps most impressive is Andre's remarkable tenure as the founder of a highly successful tennis academy in South Africa, spanning over 30 years. During its peak, his academy taught an astonishing 1200 students per week, effortlessly demonstrating his ability to train both players and coaches skillfully. Andre's impact extended beyond local borders as he nurtured and groomed players from provincial, national, and international professional levels. Additionally, numerous of his former students received Division 1 scholarships in the United States, including his children.

Today, Andre du Toit is a valued Valley Tennis Academy team member. It is evident that Andre's passion for the game of tennis shines through in his unwavering dedication to teaching players of all ages and abilities, from aspiring beginners taking their first steps on the court to nurturing the rise of international ATP & WTA professional tennis players.

Anna Millage

Coach

QUALIFICATIONS

Anna discovered her love for tennis at seven and has nurtured a deep passion for the sport. As a dedicated coach, she translates her enthusiasm onto the court, helping players unlock their full potential. Having trained extensively as a high-performance player and actively competing at a provincial level, Anna possesses the skills and firsthand experience to guide and inspire individuals of all ages and skill levels.

With a natural affinity for teaching, Anna thoroughly enjoys working with diverse groups of tennis players. Whether it's shaping the techniques of young future star players or refining the game of seasoned players, her goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters growth and personal development for all her students.