Former Hibs player Graeme Soutar serves up game-changing offer

A FORMER Hibs footballer turned professional tennis coach is giving his services free of charge to introduce pupils from two Edinburgh schools to the serve and volley game.

Graeme Soutar, part of the Hibs team that won the BP Youth Cup in 1992, is conducting sessions at the Priestfield club on the Southside for youngsters from Preston Street and Peffermill primaries in the hope of not just finding another Andy Murray, but launching them into a lifelong recreational pursuit.

Says Graeme: “I have been playing tennis since aged four and want to give the community some return for the good times I enjoyed on court at a young age.

“The immediate aftermath of Andy Murray’s success in winning the US Open seems the ideal time to start.

“The coaching takes place as part of the school curriculum and both schools have been very supportive, including Sue Russell who is in charge of PE at Preston Street and has undertaken an Aegon coaching course.”

Now 38, Graeme gave up a job in transport management to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Dougie, also a coach.

Graeme adds: “The Priestfield club are allowing the courts to be used for free but would also welcome junior members for a £25 annual subscription.”

Details of Graeme’s own coaching career are on his website, gstenniscoaching.co.uk