Tim Armstrong’s School of Tennis, one of the most established and respected tennis schools in the Peninsula, was founded 48 years ago when Tim Armstrong made a life-changing decision — to pursue a career in tennis instead of professional soccer. Fortunately for generations of Cape-based players, he chose the path of tennis, laying the groundwork for what would become a thriving and highly regarded coaching institution.

Reflecting on the early days, Tim shared with editor/website designer Nathan Jack:
“I started coaching in the False Bay area using my mother’s old wicker basket that held 20 tennis balls — I was often mistaken for a fruit vendor! With no car, I walked or caught the train to lessons, and in those days, if I coached for two hours, that was a big day.”

He looks back on those times with pride.
“Those early challenges gave me the resilience and drive to build something special. I may not have set out to create the biggest tennis school in the country, but I always wanted one I could be proud of — where anyone, regardless of age or level, could enjoy and learn the game. My goal has always been to help each pupil reach their potential, while still keeping the game fun and accessible.”

Children as young as four are welcome to start lessons, depending on their ability and coordination. Group sizes are kept small — typically four to six pupils — to ensure each player receives focused attention. A 30 or 45 minute weekly session with regular practice is an ideal way to begin. Once enrolled, pupils have access to court time in the early afternoons to reinforce what they’ve learned.

Today, the school is home to seven dedicated Teaching Professionals and runs out of two main centres: Meadowridge and Constantia Tennis Clubs. The coaching team services the area from Tokai through to Claremont. TAST is also proud to be the official South African host for the Jonathan Markson Tennis Academy in London — a renowned international school whose players travel from around the world to train at our Cape Town centres.

Tim and his business partner Chris Potterton manage both centres, supported by a passionate and highly motivated team: Alex Anderton, Rudy Richards, Brenton Bubb, Ryan Baines, Jaden Peterson, and Des Agliotti.

While not every pupil is destined to become a champion — and Tim & Chris strongly believe in keeping pressure off young players — the school has proudly seen many of its pupils go on to represent Western Province.

Tim and Chris would like to extend their sincere thanks to their sponsors, Dunlop, for their continued support and valued partnership.