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Journal entry no.53 brings you Scottish coach, Mike Aitken.
A true Scottish tennis stalwart, who is admired by everyone in the game. One of the most honest and humble coaches you could ever meet. In this episode you will hear how he got into the game, took the brave plunge to go into full-time coaching in the 1980’s when he had a secure job as a PE teacher.
Mike was largely responsible for keeping me in the game in my teenage years and I know 1000’s of players feel as affectionately as I do about him.
Please share this episode with your tennis friends.
Intro-outro music by http://www.hueandcry.co.uk
Artwork by http://www.olinightingale.com
ADRIAN STONEBRIDGE says
Very interesting – I enjoyed both yourself and Mike – you are both very easy to listen to- Well done !
Kris Soutar says
Ah Adrian, thank you so much for listening. I am glad you enjoyed it. I would love to get you on the show if you would like to be a guest. Let me know and we can arrange if you’d enjoy that.
RIck Gardner says
Hi Kris,
Good podcast with Mike Aitken, who’s a legend here in St Andrews & the NE of Scotland. I’ve worked with him for many years, as a referee & organiser. A charming, good tempered guy & a mean tennis player & of course, an excellent coach. He’ll be missed at the University where he was Director of Tennis.
Thank you Kris.
RIck Gardner,
Referee, tutor &
current President of Tennis Scotland
Chris Brown says
Great podcast Kris,
Mike is a legend and a true inspiration. So lucky to have been part of his squads in the NE as a junior. He was a mentor as well as a coach and was directly responsible for my own journey into coaching and my life long passion for tennis. Remember scraping the courts in Rubislaw before our sessions and driving in Mike’s VW polo to matches. I still have a Donnay Apollo in my collection today as homage to Mike 😀.
Kris Soutar says
Hey Chris, thanks so much for commenting. Agreed, Mike has had way more influence than he realises. It has been great receiving so many messages similar to yours. Hope all is well with you.
Ian Hardie says
What a great podcast that was. Very inspirational, informative for the non-tennis player as well as players I’m sure. A great message to end on too …. if you have passion for something, go with it and never give up on a dream! Both Mike and Kris must be very proud of achievements. Well done!
Ian & Pauline
Kris Soutar says
Thank you so much for listening Ian. I am glad you liked it. The feedback for Mike’s episode has been 100% positive. A testament to the person he is. I hope you are well in these strange times.