Northern Beaches’ award-winning Evolve Tennis Academy is for all ages, has six locations and is also serving up Pickleball classes.
Walk into Evolve Tennis Academy on any given Saturday morning, and you might see a 5-year-old learning to hit while their parents practice their backhand on the next court. This isn’t a coincidence, it’s exactly what Evolve Tennis Academy’s directors, Scott Fletcher and Ryan Maloney, have designed across their six extremely popular Northern Beaches locations.
“We’re not just teaching forehands and backhands,” explains Ryan. “We’re building confident kids, strong families, and connected communities.”
Having both grown up on the Northern Beaches, Ryan and Scott travelled the world playing tournaments and enjoying the life experiences tennis gave them. When they started coaching and founded Evolve Tennis in 2010, they thought, ‘How best can we give back to the next generation?’ The answer was creating tennis families, not just tennis players.
“Yes we see stronger serves, sharper volleys, and kids growing into confident, resilient players,” says Ryan. “But more than that, we see friendships forming, confidence growing, and people showing up for each other. We see adults who haven’t played in 20 years walking off court grinning like kids. We see parents chatting on the sidelines, teammates pushing each other, and kids learning what it means to win and lose with character.”
“On court, it’s about effort, movement, and growth,” he says. “Off court, it’s about connection, community, and the kind of joy that stays with you long after the last point’s been played.”
The Academy’s programs start early with their Pee Wees program for ages 2-5, progress through to Hot Shots for 5-10 year olds, and continue with competition and squad training for ages 10+. They currently coach over 2,600 players weekly across their Collaroy, Avalon, Terrey Hills, and Belrose locations, plus in-school programs at St. Luke’s Grammar and Narrabeen Sports High.
For adults, the academy offers squad and group training, clinics, comps, cardio tennis, and, of course, the fast-growing favourite pickleball. Fast-paced, easy to learn, and incredibly fun, Pickleball has exploded in popularity and is now a core part of Evolve’s multi-age programming.
“We believe our diversity of services that cater for every standard and age of player is a core part of giving back to the community,” Ryan says. “We want everyone to feel welcome at our tennis academy.”
Evolve’s approach has earned significant recognition. Their Collaroy site was recently named ‘Most Outstanding Tennis Club in Australia’ by Tennis Australia – the first Northern Beaches club to receive the title. With more Level 3 coaches than any other tennis business in Australia and 200+ years of combined playing and coaching experience, the academy could easily focus solely on elite development.
Instead, they’ve embraced more of an open-door policy, welcoming everyone from junior champs to 65-year-old pickleball beginners. All levels, abilities, and ages can join whether you’re seeking private coaching or group programs for social play.
It’s been found that playing tennis and pickleball not only boost physical fitness and wellbeing, but is an incredible workout for the brain too.
Research from longevity expert Dan Buettner shows that tennis players live almost 10 years longer than inactive people. The cognitive benefits are equally impressive, with studies indicating racquet sports can slow cognitive decline by up to 30 per cent, thanks to the strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and hand-eye coordination required.
“At Evolve, we believe racquet sports keep you young because they fire up your body, your brain, and your competitive spirit—all at once,” says Ryan. “You’re not just moving—you’re reacting, thinking, adjusting, laughing, sweating, winning (and learning). It’s a full-body, full-mind tune-up disguised as fun.”
“Whether it’s a fast-paced singles point, a cheeky doubles rally, or a social hit with mates, racquet sports give you a reason to move, a reason to smile, and a reason to show up again tomorrow.”
“Come hit with us and see for yourself,” Ryan says.
Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids in the holidays, improve your game as an adult, or find an activity that provides proven health and longevity benefits, Evolve Tennis Academy has programs designed to welcome players at all ages and stages.
For more information about Evolve Tennis Academy’s programs across Collaroy, Avalon, Terrey Hills and Belrose, including birthday party bookings and school holiday camps, visit their website or contact their locations directly.
Evolve Tennis Academy
Website: https://evolvetennisacademy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collaroytennisevolvetennis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolve_tennis_academy/
Evolve Tennis Academy is a Northern Beaches Living Gold Sponsor. If your business would like to support us in connecting and informing the community via Sponsorship, please get in touch: northernbeaches@thelivingcollective.com.au
