A rising star in junior tennis, Oliver’s journey is full of talent, grit, and heart – and we’re proud to support him not only as a player but as a symbol of what’s possible when community, coaching, and commitment come together.
Our connection to Oliver runs deeper than it may seem. In the late 1990s, James Godber, co-founder of Clubmatch, coached Nick Raper at Swanbourne House School. Years later, Nick would become one of the most respected junior tennis coaches in his county – and the coach guiding Oliver’s rise through the ranks.
When Nick needed a reliable base for training Oliver, many venues were hesitant to offer consistent court access. That’s when he turned to James and Kevin Rand, Clubmatch’s other co-founder and the then-chair of their local tennis club. After meeting Oliver and his family – and seeing their dedication, humility, and passion – it was an easy “yes.”
Oliver’s tennis journey began at just 2 years old, picking up a racquet at his local Teddy Tennis group in Woburn Sands. Even during lockdown, his commitment didn’t waver – he and his dad laid concrete in their garden, marked out lines, and trained every day.
By age 5, Oliver had entered his first tournament. At 6, he won his first competition at Shrewsbury Tennis Club. By 7, he was the first player in Buckinghamshire to receive a passport to compete in Under 9s nationally. Today, he’s competing at the national level in U11s, recently finishing 8th at the Sunderland National Open and holding the #1 ranking in Bucks (2023).
Oliver’s weekly schedule is intense – 11+ hours of training, travel to tournaments on weekends, and academic life at a demanding school. He also finds time to study piano (achieving merit in Grade 1), play rugby (Player of the Year at school), and spend time with his two younger brothers, who are also excelling in sports.
It’s a full life – and one that requires extraordinary dedication from the entire family. From early-morning drives to late-night homework after training, Oliver’s journey is a family commitment. “While he’s on his own on the court,” says his mum, “he’s never really alone – he’s got a whole team behind him.”
Ask Oliver’s family to name his greatest achievements, and they won’t start with rankings or trophies. They’ll talk about his resilience, his sportsmanship, and his dedication – qualities that matter just as much as match wins.
His coach calls it a “rollercoaster.” As Oliver grows, his technique evolves. There are setbacks. Moments of frustration. But what stands out most is how Oliver keeps showing up – gritty, smiling, and ready to learn.
Clubmatch was created by people who understand clubs, coaching, and the challenges of keeping grassroots tennis alive and thriving. Supporting Oliver feels like a full-circle moment – not just because of our shared coaching roots, but because Oliver represents everything we believe in:
• The importance of community support
• The power of opportunity at the club level
• The role clubs play in nurturing future talent
Whether Oliver is training at our home club or travelling the country, he proudly represents where it all started. And we’re proud to be a small part of his journey.
As Oliver continues to grow and compete, we’re excited to support him not just as an athlete, but as a role model for young players. His story is one of balance – between school and sport, fun and focus, pressure and joy.
And while his long-term dream is to become a professional tennis player, his short-term goals are just as inspiring: a stronger backhand, a better serve, and a deeper love for the game.
Left: Ollie with James & Kevin (Clubmatch founders) | Right: Ollie with Jack Draper's former coach Justin Sherring
“We’re thrilled to be working with a local business like Clubmatch and grateful to the club that gave Oliver his foundation. As he continues to grow, we hope his story inspires other players – and helps highlight the amazing role clubs play in supporting the next generation.”
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