Mark Nielsen
With over 35 years in the tennis world – many of these as a top professional player and NZ #1 for 10 years – I now have over 18 years' coaching experience at Belmont Park Racquets Club to add to my playing experience. You know you're in good hands.
I am dedicated to making sure all our clients continue to grow their love of tennis by improving their game and enjoying the satisfaction that comes with progress.
Come and train with SMASHTENNIS. We welcome everyone, no matter your age or ability.
To book a private or small-group lesson with any of the coaches, call or text Jo on 493 489. View our current coaching rates here
Louis Yalland
Louis is a highly respected and familiar face within the community, having been part of our coaching team for more than 15 years. A lifelong racquet sports enthusiast, Louis began playing both tennis and squash at Belmont Park at just eight years old, developing a strong passion for the game from an early age.
Over the years, Louis has built extensive coaching experience both locally and internationally, including spending several winters working at summer camps in Maine, USA, where he coached players of all ages and abilities. He is also continuing to expand his expertise through his Junior Development Coaching qualification, reflecting his commitment to ongoing professional development and high-quality coaching.
As our Senior Coach, Louis plays a key role across many areas of the programme. He works closely alongside Mark in delivering school coaching programmes, oversees our popular Holiday Camps, and serves as Assistant Coach for our junior interclub coaching programme. His calm and approachable nature, combined with excellent technical knowledge, makes him especially effective at helping beginners and developing players build confidence and strong fundamentals.
Louis is particularly passionate about introducing new players to tennis. Known for his patience, encouragement, and keen attention to technique, he creates a positive learning environment where players can progress at their own pace while developing sound skills from the beginning.
In addition to junior coaching, Louis also leads many of our adult group classes and is available for private lessons. Whether you are picking up a racquet for the very first time, returning to the game after a break, or looking to improve your skills, Louis provides supportive, professional coaching tailored to every player’s individual goals.
Simon booth
We're delighted to welcome Simon back to the SMASHTENNIS team!
Simon brings a wealth of coaching experience and an impressive set of qualifications, including ATPCA Level 2, Club Pro Level 2 with Tennis Australia, Cardio Tennis, Tennis Hot Shots, and TennisXpress. He is currently completing his Performance Level 3 with Tennis Australia — a credential that will place him among the most qualified tennis coaches in New Zealand.
A national-level junior player himself, Simon has gone on to build an extensive coaching career, including a role as Director of Tennis at the Queensland Tennis Centre, where he guided numerous juniors to state and national rankings.
Simon is passionate about tennis and known for creating an engaging, interactive learning environment on court. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, Simon coaches all ages and levels — so get in quick and book your spot!
Dean Page
Although our newest member to the team, Dean is at home on a tennis court. He moved to Auckland from Whangārei and is studying psychology at AUT.
Dean is great with the children in coaching, and you’ll find him on court with our after-school and club tennis programmes, as well as adult fitness classes. He enjoys creating fun on-court sessions for the kids and keeps them engaged with great energy and new ideas. Dean's passionate about all things tennis, fitness and health and has just competed his Level One coaching certificate.
Ethan Clifton
Ethan is in Year 12 at Takapuna Grammar School and is not only the head of our junior coaching team, but also one of the top U18 Interclub players at Belmont Park.
Ethan has grown up in our SMASHTENNIS programme since he was 5 years old. He’s kind and caring, and has a gentle nature with the kids. He knows them all well and is on court daily after school and during our School Holiday Camps.
