Re: A change of career

Hi Steve,
As a pro coach living and working in Spain for the last 20 years I think
I am qualified to give you a few tips.

Firstly where are you going in Spain, its pretty big?

If you are thinking of ex pats type coaching then you have to be in the
Marbella/Malaga part of Spain.You would not get anything in Barcelona or
Madrid.

What qualifications do you have?

I am based on the Canary Islands, Tenerife to be exact, and I work 50%
with locals and the rest are tourists, or owners of properties that come
out two/three times a year.

The holiday business here is BAD, so my local work keeps me going, but
that is something I have built up over 10 years hard work.

I could not see a club here on the island wanting anyone at this time,
but in the future???

Also think of these points when moving to Spain

1) Do you have family,if so think about schools
2)Somewhere to live..here is not cheap
3)The weather--I know at the moment that every tennis coach in the UK is
under 2 metres of water after your wonderful summer, but here I am
working some days in 40 degrees, thats tough, for 5/6 hours and you have
to climatise.

If you send me an e mail, I can send you a few links to some tennis
centres around Spain that may want coaches who speak both English and
Spanish.
I also am fluent in Spanish and the local population really appreciate
someoen who is prepared to talk their language.

I also have "made my name" through my own tennis winning all the Veteran
titles out here, so your own playing standard certainly helps you some,
probably more so than in the UK.

So a few things to think of, but as you said " am I living in
dreamland", that what folk siad to me 20 odd years ago when I move here
from a successful coaching position in the UK. I did it to improve my
life style, so there is hope

Regards
John Debnam - Head pro Los Gigantes Tennis Centre
www.tennisoo.com


Received on Sat Jul 21 2007 - 03:35:51 CDT