About Us
At Strive, we are committed to making tennis and pickleball accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.
The programme was founded by Jim Barton in 2016, and in 2025 Jim retired and entrusted Strive to continue the work he started. We proudly share the same values and vision: increasing participation in sport and creating opportunities for everyone to experience the physical, social, and mental benefits that racket sports can provide.
Our aim is to build a vibrant and welcoming community where everyone feels valued and encouraged to take part. From parent-and-child activities and beginner sessions to festivals, competitions, and charity events, we promote participation, fair play, friendship, and enjoyment above all else.
Whether you're an experienced player, a complete beginner, or simply looking for a fun way to get active, we're here to support you. Together, we believe in the power of sport to bring people together, build confidence, and create lasting positive experiences for individuals, families, and communities.
Open For All
Comprehensive Coaching
Our sessions are thoughtfully adapted to meet individual needs, breaking down skills step by step to build confidence before engaging in games
Expert Coaching & Teaching Team
Providing outstanding coaching in schools, youth clubs, junior groups, and beyond. Our staff team build trust, confidence, and positive relationships with every participant
Community Focused
Promoting well-being, fostering social connections, and emphasising the enjoyment of the game
Inclusive & Accessible for All
Welcoming families, adults, and juniors of all ages and abilities. No contract - just turn up and play!
Tailored Experiences
We offer specialised sessions, including Women's, Men's, Family, Open for All social sessions, and children's sessions (Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced levels). Pathways are available to transition into competitive play at regional and national levels
Leading SEND Provision
Expertise and dedicated support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, with close collaboration with Strive PE and Sport
Supporting Local Communities
We proudly collaborate with local organisations to enrich and uplift the communities we serve
Get Involved!
Join us for coaching sessions, social games, and special events that bring people together through the power of sport. Whether you're here to learn, compete, or simply have fun, Strive is the place to be!
Meet Our Coaches
Get to know our dedicated coaches who drive our players to succeed both on and off the court.
Jim Barton
Director of Tennis
Geza
Tennis Coach
Tom
Tennis Coach
Tom is at RTP National Pro level coach who has been part of our coaching team for the last 5 years. He coaches adults, children and teenagers, mainly at Norman Road, West Malling. Tom is passionate about helping to develop players to a standard where they can both play and compete at their relevant optimum level, whether on a friendly basis or in school, club or county teams. Having played competitively for over 40 years, Tom is keen to pass on his match-play experience and enjoyment of the game to players of all ages and abilities.
A very experienced and personal coach, liked and respected by all his students
Rob Denness
Pickleball and Tennis Coach
QTS – Qualified Teacher – 15 Years Teaching Experience
Sports Science BSc (Hons)
RPT – European Registry of Tennis Professionals – Instructor 1
Pickleball Coach – ICA Certificate
Rob is Director of Strive PE and Sport and previously was Assistant Principal at Brompton Academy and the Director of Sport at Chatham Grammar School for Girls and Brompton Academy (7 years).
Martin May
Pickleball and Tennis Coach
QTS – Qualified Teacher – 17 Years Teaching Experience
Pickleball Coach – ICA Certificate
Experience delivering outstanding PE and developing Sport in Primary and Secondary School settings having served as a School Sports Coordindator (SSCO) for many years in addition to his teaching roles.
Scarlett Denness
Pickleball Coach
QTS – Qualified Teacher – 9 Years Teaching Experience
Pickleball Coach – ICA Certificate
Aisha Dixon
Pickleball Coach
QTS – Qualified Teacher
Pickleball Coach – ICA Certificate
Our Venues
Our sessions are primarily held at the locations listed below, but that's not all—we also bring our coaching expertise to various satellite clubs across Kent and partner with several local schools to reach even more aspiring players.
Locations
- → Kings Sports Centre - Rochester (pickleball and tennis)
- → Hundred of Hoo Academy - Rochester (pickleball)
- → Woodlands Sports Centre - Gillingham (pickleball)
- → West Malling Parish Courts - West Malling (tennis)