Simon Boughton
Edinburgh's legendary Head Coach, Simon Boughton, shares his passion for squash, tennis & padel – come learn from a true champion!
About
If you're walking around the west end of Edinburgh near the Water Of Leith and you're curious about getting into racket sports, you absolutely need to know Simon Boughton! As the fantastic Head Coach at Edinburgh Sports Club for over two decades, Simon has an incredible passion for squash, tennis, and padel. He's not just a brilliant instructor for all levels, from juniors to masters; he's also a four-time Scottish Masters National Champion himself, so he truly knows his stuff. His dedication to the club and its players creates a truly welcoming and vibrant community feel, making it the perfect spot to pick up a racket.
Coach
Simon Boughton is the Head Coach at Edinburgh Sports Club, where he has been based for over 20 years, contributing to a squash coaching career that spans 28 years and began accidentally in Italy. He is passionate about working with people and the sport.
Padel
Padel courts have been added to the facilities at Edinburgh Sports Club, where it is possible to play padel outdoors and receive coaching from Antonio Fernandez, the padel coach.
Squash
Edinburgh Sports Club has six squash courts, including the only hardball doubles squash court in Europe, and offers a comprehensive coaching program for all levels with fully qualified instructors.
Tennis
The club has three outdoor tennis courts.
Full Bio
Simon Boughton is a prominent squash coach based at Edinburgh Sports Club (ESC), where he has worked for over 20 years and currently serves as Head Coach. His coaching career spans 28 years, beginning accidentally in the '90s during an impromptu trip to Milan, Italy. There, he became a club coach at Poli Squash Club for a year, learning Italian squash phrases despite initially not speaking the language. Prior to this, he had a promising playing career in Nottinghamshire, reaching England Under-16 top 10 status and representing his county at senior level. He admits he lacked the "single-mindedness" to turn professional as a player, but found a deep love for coaching. After his time in Italy, he pursued a degree in Sport and Leisure Management at Brunel University London. His move to Scotland saw him coach at Bridge of Allan Sports Club for two years before joining ESC. At ESC, he coaches players at all levels, including Juniors, Seniors, Performance, and Masters, expressing a love for working with people and the club's atmosphere. He continues to play competitively for ESC in the East and National Leagues and is a four-time Scottish Masters National Champion. Boughton was also part of the ESC squad that won bronze at the 2019 European Club Championships. During a lockdown, he created a fitness blog on the ESC Instagram account, sharing various circuit routines to stay focused and in shape. He has also recently enjoyed playing tennis and padel outdoors at the club. The Edinburgh Sports Club, nestled in the west end by the Water Of Leith near the Scottish Museum of Modern Art, features six squash courts, three tennis courts, and padel courts, and boasts Europe's only hardball doubles squash court, alongside a gym.