At Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, we’re all about helping young athletes thrive—and what better way to do that than by learning from a world champion?

We’re excited to welcome Anna McBride to Carnegie and Duloch Leisure Centres. She’ll be leading brand-new Junior Tennis classes from March 2025.

She’s just returned from Australia, where she won her third consecutive Women’s Singles title at the Australian Open Intellectual Disability Championships. That win secured her place as World No.1—an incredible achievement!

Now, she’s bringing her passion for the sport and elite-level experience to Fife, helping young players take their first steps onto the court. Whether your child has never picked up a racket before or they’re already developing their skills, these sessions will be a fantastic opportunity to learn from the very best.

Before her first class, we caught up with Anna to hear about her journey, what it felt like to win another Grand Slam, and why she’s excited to coach in Fife.

Anna’s Tennis Journey

Q: What first got you into tennis? Was there a moment you knew you loved the sport?

Anna: I started playing tennis in 2010. It all began when I picked up a racket at a sports camp—I think it might have been in Kirkcaldy! I was trying out different sports at the time, mainly to help with some personal challenges.

From the very first time I played, I seemed to have a natural feel for it. People even thought I’d been playing for years! Over time, I fell in love with the mental and physical aspects of the game. It pushed me to grow in ways I never expected and has taught me so many valuable life lessons.

Q: You’ve now won three consecutive Australian Open titles—how did it feel to defend your title this year?

Anna: Defending my title was an incredible and humbling experience. Winning once is tough, but maintaining that level year after year takes an enormous amount of dedication and hard work.

Each tournament is different, and every match brings its own challenges. You can never take anything for granted in tennis. My success comes from consistent training, preparation, and a real love for the game—both on and off the court.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in your tennis career so far, and how did you overcome it?

Anna: There have been plenty of challenges! Injuries and performance slumps are a natural part of any athlete’s journey, and there are definitely times when tennis doesn’t feel as glamorous as people might think.

One of the biggest challenges for me was dealing with the mental side of the sport. Tennis is as much about resilience as it is about skill, and balancing personal wellbeing with performance can be tough. I also faced bullying in school, people told me I would never reach the level I am today, which only made me more determined to prove them wrong.

Tennis gave me a focus—it helped me manage things like insomnia and taught me how to bounce back from setbacks. The ability to keep going, even when things get tough, has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned.

Q: What does a typical training day look like for you as a world-class athlete?

Anna: My training schedule is pretty intense! I usually spend two to three hours on the court, about four to five days a week. Those sessions focus on match-based scenarios and specific areas of my game that I want to improve.

Off the court, I spend a lot of time in the gym. Strength, speed, and flexibility training are key. I have access to physiotherapy and fitness trainers through my university. I also compete in university matches on Wednesdays on top of my studies. It’s a full-on schedule, but I love it!

Q: Do you have any role models or inspirations in the world of tennis?

Anna: Definitely! Roger Federer is someone I’ve always admired—his sportsmanship and effortless style of play are incredible. I also really respect Serena Williams for her determination and fight on the court. Rafael Nadal, is another player I look up to—his movement and work ethic are outstanding.

On a personal level, my biggest inspiration is my younger brother. He sadly passed away in September. He had additional needs but was always so full of happiness and courage. Remembering his strength and positivity inspires me to keep pushing forward in my own life and tennis career.

Q: What excites you most about coaching Junior Tennis at Carnegie and Duloch Leisure Centres?

Anna: I love the idea of inspiring and developing the next generation of players. Tennis has given me so much, and I want to pass on that passion.

Seeing young players grow and improve is so rewarding, whether they’re celebrating a small achievement or working towards something bigger. My goal is to create a supportive and positive environment where every child feels encouraged to do their best.

Q: Why should parents consider signing their kids up for these sessions?

Anna: Tennis is a fantastic sport for so many reasons! On a physical level, it helps with coordination, fitness, and focus. But beyond that, it also teaches teamwork, communication and resilience.

One of the biggest things tennis teaches is how to handle frustration and keep going. It’s a sport that challenges you, but that’s where the learning happens.

Plus, it’s a great alternative to screen time—it keeps kids active, social, and engaged. Tennis can be a lifelong sport, and it’s an amazing way for children to make new friends and be part of a supportive community.

Q: What can young players expect from your classes? What will they learn?

Anna: First and foremost, my classes will be fun! I want every player to enjoy their time on the court while learning important skills like:

• Resilience – Learning to bounce back from setbacks.
• Sportsmanship – Being happy for others’ successes and handling wins and losses with grace.
• Confidence – Developing self-belief through skill progression.
• Healthy Competition – Understanding that competitiveness is good when channelled positively.

The goal is for every child to leave feeling stronger, more confident, and excited to keep improving!

Q: Tennis is a sport that builds skills beyond the court—what are some of the key lessons it teaches?

Anna: Absolutely! Tennis isn’t just about hitting a ball—it teaches life skills that go far beyond the game.

For example, trying something new can be scary, but stepping onto the court and giving it a go builds self-belief. I always encourage kids to step outside their comfort zone, because that’s where growth happens.

It’s also a great way to make new friends and be part of a community. Tennis brings people together, and those friendships can last a lifetime.

Q: What advice would you give to a young child who’s nervous about trying tennis for the first time?

Anna: I want kids to know that tennis is for everyone—no matter their skill level. All they need to do is give it a try, have fun, and see where the journey takes them!

Join Anna on the Court – Sign Up Today!

From picking up a racket for the first time to winning three consecutive Australian Open titles, Anna McBride’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Now, she’s bringing her passion and experience to young players in Fife!

Her Junior Tennis sessions at Carnegie and Duloch Leisure Centres are all about learning new skills, building confidence, staying active, and—most importantly—having fun! Whether your child is trying tennis for the first time or already loves the sport, this is a fantastic chance to train with a champion in a friendly and supportive environment.

Class Details

All classes start March 2025!

Carnegie Leisure Centre:
Starts Sunday, 9th March
Junior Tennis P1 – P3: Sundays, 9:00am – 10:00am
Short Tennis P4 – P7: Sundays, 10:00am – 11:00am

Duloch Leisure Centre:
Starts Sunday, 17th March
Junior Tennis P1 – P3: Sundays, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Short Tennis P4 – P7: Sundays, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Sign up today and let your child experience tennis with a world champion—book now by calling or visiting reception!

Carnegie: 01383 602304
Duloch: 01383 602209