Shire Tennis Academy

Shire Tennis Academy, located in Illawong, is renowned for its exceptional tennis instruction and state-of-the-art tennis courts. Founded by John George, who dedicated 58 years to coaching tennis, the academy has recently passed the torch to Ryan Hanrahan's Velox Tennis. While the website continues to serve as a historical archive, Blaxland Drive tennis courts now fall under the management of Velox Tennis.

Shire Tennis Academy's mission is not only to provide top-quality coaching but also to honour the hundreds of passionate coaches who have contributed to its rich history. The website features a “History” section that delves into the academy's origins, starting with John and his wife Dianne's establishment of Tennisland in Kellyville in the 70s. The website also offers book extracts from John's unfinished book, “Winning: It's All in the Mind.

Visiting Shire Tennis Academy is a breeze. Simply drive down to Blaxland Drive in Illawong and turn right into the first car park. The location is easily accessible and offers ample parking. For inquiries about coaching services at Blaxland Drive, please contact Ryan Hanrahan of Velox Tennis at 0423 343 037.

John George can also be reached at 0404 885 319.

The early stages of Shire Tennis Academy's journey can be traced back to the establishment of Tennisland in Kellyville. Despite initially being a 40-year flood-affected area, John and Dianne's resourcefulness transformed the five-acre site into Australia's first American-style tennis “Ranch. ” They raised the land above flood level by utilising clean excavated material from nearby Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills. During this time, John, Dianne, and their three children resided in a caravan on-site until the project's completion.

Tennisland soon became Western Sydney's premier tennis coaching venue, playing a crucial role in the “Custom Credit Operation Tennis” initiative initiated by John Newcombe and Tony Roche. In the late 70s, the academy's 1982 Custom Credit Operation Tennis Elite Squad, coached by Rod and Chris Silk, comprised talented players who would later rank among the world's top 100 players and become leading tennis coaches in Australia. John sold Tennisland in 1986 and went on to build Matchpoint Tennis at Kirrawee, marking another milestone in his coaching career.

Shire Tennis Academy's commitment to providing exceptional tennis coaching remains unwavering. Although John George has retired and passed on the reins to Velox Tennis, the academy's legacy stands as a testament to his dedication and the contributions of the numerous coaches who have been a part of its journey. Whether you seek top-tier coaching or simply wish to learn more about the academy's history, Shire Tennis Academy is the perfect destination for tennis enthusiasts in Illawong.