Gooding Family fund

Mike enjoyed an extraordinary life and career. Most importantly, Mike was a loving husband to Amanda and father to Lara and Tabatha. He fought his cancer like he played his sport - he threw everything at it but sadly at the moment there is not a cure, hopefully this will change in the future.

He was an esteemed athlete; he started his career at the age of 14 in Scotland, eventually becoming an Assistant Professional at Hampton Court in 1983. His prodigious talent was evident as he had represented Scotland on the International stage with his badminton for several years before turning to Real Tennis (Court Tennis). He reached the court tennis World's No. 2 in singles. He won the British Open singles in his native country, England, in 1996 and the French Open Singles in 1995 and 1996. Mike was an outstanding doubles player and won many Open titles. He enjoyed an accomplished career as a Professional spanning more than 30 years.

His incredible reactions and movement changed the game of doubles forever and contributed to the exciting game that we enjoy today. Mike was a great student of the game, but it was not just stroke play that he could help with, as he excelled in the game's tactics in equal measure. More recently, he has encouraged and trained many Professionals in the game, and we are all in his debt for some of the outstanding talents we see in the game today.

"As a teacher, Mike generously shared his love for the game with many. All praised his coaching abilities - from his peers to the countless beginners he introduced to Court Tennis. We all are fortunate to have been able to count Mike as a workmate and a friend. We will miss him and the enthusiasm he brought with him. We are left with his undying spirit, whether training, playing or teaching 'never say never.'"

Many of us who knew Mike knew him as a kind, spirited, intelligent, and caring man. He will be greatly missed. Please keep Mike’s wife and daughters in your thoughts during this difficult time. His daughters will carry on his spirit through their love for Lawn Tennis and Real Tennis, which he taught them throughout the years. Watch out, ladies, in the future! The Gooding girls might be on the other side of the net from you one day!