About MPTA
Where It All Began
It’s a special story, really.
It all started with a group of close-knit friends affectionately known as The Squash Group. They met while working at the Sydney Water Board, bonded over Friday night squash games, and carried their friendship beyond the court—sharing home-cooked dinners, laughter, and life milestones. As they married and had children, the traditions evolved: squash turned into tennis, and Friday night games became weekend tournaments and family trips away.
Heather grew up surrounded by the sound of rackets hitting balls, spirited matches, and post-game banter around the dinner table. Those early years with The Squash Group laid the foundation not just for her love of the game, but for her belief in sport as a powerful connector—of people, of families, of joy.
That same spirit lives on in every lesson she teaches.
Breathing tennis
Coach Heather Woods leads the academy with a passion for the sport and almost 40 years of tennis experience. An ITF-qualified coach, Heather’s tennis journey started with a cut-down squash racket at the age of two—thanks to her parents, longtime squash players—small hands, big swing, and no idea that it would shape the rest of her life.
But it wasn’t long before tennis stole the spotlight. Seen as a more social sport for kids, tennis became Heather’s true passion, and by age four, she had her very own racket. You could say tennis runs in her veins.
Group squad lessons followed at six, and by seven, she was competing—often against 12-year-olds.
Her dedication only grew from there. With private coaching six days a week under Noel Custer, strength and conditioning through a regional training centre, and weekends packed with Saturday morning comps, afternoon matches, and Sunday interdistrict play, Heather lived and breathed tennis. She competed at state and national level tournaments across Australia and took her game international, playing in the United States and training at Cincinnati-based Contardi Tennis Camp.
Coaching style
Today, that lifelong love of the game and deep competitive experience fuel her coaching style—one that balances high performance with fun, connection, and confidence for every player.
Her coaching style is energetic, encouraging, and tailored to each player’s goals—whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or training for competition. As a former coach at Abbotsleigh private college, Heather loves teaching the game and empowering the next generation of players—no matter their age or experience.
Our mission is to create a supportive environment where players can develop skills, grow in confidence, and love the game for life. From group programs and holiday camps to private coaching and school partnerships, Match Point Tennis Academy is your place to learn, play, and thrive.
