A home for tennis players, all year round
The Majors Tennis Academy was founded in 2023 by Rachel Gans and Xander Spong. The coaches had already been working together for years at LTC Startbaan in Amstelveen.
We offer lessons year-round—on clay courts in the summer and indoors in the winter—to players ages four to eighty. From your very first ball to competitive tennis.
Driven by our shared passion for tennis, Xander and I launched The Majors in 2023. We had already been working with the other coaches for years at LTC Startbaan: Xander on the court me off the court, as a member of the youth committee.
Rachel Gans · Co-founder and Manager · Point of Contact
More about Rachel
My love for tennis began at a young age, when I started playing at age seven. My tennis journey began at the local club, led me to the tennis association, and eventually to LTC Startbaan and Popeye Goldstar.
When I was sixteen, I had to give up playing tennis full-time due to a serious foot injury. During that time away from the tennis world, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication.
Six years ago, I started playing tennis again, back at my old club, LTC Startbaan. Since 2020, I’ve been involved with the youth committee, where I’m jointly responsible for handling the administrative aspects of youth registrations.
Lessons at Your Level
You will be placed in a group based on your skill level and goals, not just your age. For youth, we use the KNLTB’s Tenniskids method.
More Than Just a Lesson
Four times a year, we organize a Grand Slam-style tournament where members and guests play together. Players, parents, and coaches all know each other.
Opportunities for Youth
With the support of our sponsors, we make tennis accessible to talented young players and to children who cannot afford it.
Who You'll court on the court
Five tennis coaches and a physical trainer. Click on a name to read the full story.
Xander Spong
Co-founder and trainer
Multiple Dutch youth champion and world champion with the Junior Davis Cup. Has been coaching for eight years, teaching everyone from beginners to ATP and WTA players.
More about Xander
Ever since I was a child, my life has revolved around sports, but tennis has always held a special place in my heart. I started taking tennis lessons when I was seven, and before long I was allowed to train with the tennis association. As a junior, I won several Dutch championships and the Junior Davis Cup World Championship.
My professional tennis career, which peaked at an ATP ranking of 802, came to an end due to injuries. After that, I discovered my passion for teaching. Over the past eight years, I have worked with players of all levels, from beginners to ITF juniors, as well as ATP and WTA players.
My specialty is coaching competitive players—physically, mentally, and tactically. Performance-oriented tennis is closest to my heart, but I get just as much satisfaction from coaching players who want to improve at their own pace.
Bjorn Luitink
Trainer
He trained with the KNLTB from age nine to twelve and has been playing in league competition for LTC Startbaan since he was seventeen. He earned his coaching certification in 2016.
More about Bjorn
My tennis journey began when I was five, inspired by my older brother. He started with ball and stroke skills training, and as his younger brother, I wanted to do everything he did. Throughout my childhood, I played tennis intensively and trained with the KNLTB from the age of nine to twelve.
I've been playing in the league for LTC Startbaan—formerly LTC Amstelland—since I was seventeen. I currently play on the first mixed team on Sundays.
When I was a little boy, I told my tennis coach that if I didn’t become a professional tennis player, I would become a tennis instructor. In 2016, I earned my coaching certification. I teach players of all ages, from recreational to competitive. My focus isn’t on a specific target group, but on motivation and a positive attitude on the court.
Robert Maassen
Trainer
Dexter Beer Bread Spot
Trainer
Sofie Human
Trainer
Mitchel van der Geugten
Physical Trainer
Personal trainer with a rating of 3, who competes in leagues and tournaments. She leads the fitness training sessions.
More about Mitchel
I'm a passionate personal trainer, and I also lead group workouts.
I’ve been playing tennis since I was a child. With a skill level of 3, I actively participate in leagues and tournaments, and I continue to train several times a week to improve my own game. That commitment to the sport helps me guide you not only as a coach, but also as a fellow tennis player with experience.
Making Tennis Accessible
Our sponsors make it possible to support talented young players and to enable children who cannot afford it to play tennis.
Become a Sponsor
Would you like your company to help promote equal opportunities for young people in Amstelveen? We’d be happy to work with you to find a solution that fits your company’s needs.