The Charlie Maher Challenge:

To Break the Age Barrier Into Pro Tennis at Age 63

Welcome !

I want to change our minds about what it now means to be 60-something…. or even 40 or 50 or 70 something.

I also want to show you why we all gradually slow down, gain weight, lose muscle, bone, balance and flexibility each year.

Then I want to show you how we can all successfully counter it ALL !

The process I’ve figured out for myself (and am still tweaking constantly) through reading science, studying others, and through a few seasons of relentless trial and error is not extreme, and can fit with anyone’s tough schedule and personal preferences.

I’ve so far been able to turn my clock back about 15 years …close to 20. So Just tailor what I’m doing to your own goals and likes.

The Charlie Maher Challenge

Charlie G Maher Age 63 (in’25) a former accountant , a former top ranked US sectional player and college coach, is pushing the boundaries of Aging by blending old school training, modern training AND Life Experience.

He is training with, and competing in live matches against decades younger players Only !

(not in his own age group)

in order to prove:

If you can dream it, you can do it

It’s not your age, it’s your mindset

It’s not your age, it’s your training

It’s not your age, it’s your deep desire to discover and keep adding skill.

”You wouldn’t have the dream if you didn’t have the ability to achieve it.”

-Emerson

What’s YOUR challenge ??

I can give you some solid ideas on how to get there !!

I’m sending you a Guidebook !

I am preparing a detailed summary of what’s helped me turn my clock back 15 years so far - with more exciting age reversal to come throughout this next year !

I will send this out to all supporters and I’ll be here to answer any questions about your own training or goals. I’ve learned so much working toward this for the past 5 years, I need to start passing it along.

I wish I knew all this in my 40s and 50s.

Why this Fundraiser now ??

I’ve Just spent the last 12 months down in Florida getting reacquainted with all the current competitive tennis levels. I jumped in and played some tournaments to see where the level is at, and where my level is at.

After teaching the previous 12 months - more than half of it indoors, it was at first a total shock to be back in a tournament in the sun against teenagers ! Ha

My level was very weak !! but by the last tournament I played, I was starting to feel like an athlete again, and had a close match on red clay, on a very hot day against a Spaniard who was loving the clay !

I was just starting to feel a bit more like a ‘player’ again, and not a coach pretending to be a player.

There’s a long way to go, but this was a great indication of what’s possible with focus and concentrated effort.

While in Florida, I saw all the levels from junior to top 100 pros training and playing. I even got a few timely serve tips from one of Maria Sharapova’s and Pete Sampras’ former coaches !!

I got to train with many up and coming young players and had match play against current college players !

I also received valuable coaching from an International level tour coach.

This fundraiser is to fund the next 12 months of:

Living expenses, training and court fees, gym fees, racquets, string ( I do my own stringing ) , shoes, balls, travel and entry fees for

30-35 tournaments spaced over the 12 months

Entry fees run up to $ 160 per week.

I’ll be playing alot around Boca Raton Florida which hosts great weekly prize money events attracting lots of top juniors, college players and minor league pro players.

And I’ll be looking for other tournaments around Florida and throughout the South against players stronger than me !!

I will be posting twice weekly updates of training and match results with video included.

The Goal by the end of the next 12 months is :

Is to reach a decent Division 1 college level or a rating of UTR 11.

I will make a post explaining tennis’s rankings and levels and prize money.

Assuming I can reach this level, then the next year, it’s on to try to qualify for minor league Pro Tour events.

This year is crucial to the big goal of this project.

If a player can’t make it to a decent Division 1 level they are wasting their time trying for a pro ranking.

What do the ‘experts’ think of my chances ?

Some top coaches who have reviewed my goals don’t think it’s possible for a player my age to reach the D 1 college level.

One coach even said:

NO WAY !!

But other coaches and players were very excited and supportive, but most said they just don’t know what’s possible, because

no older player has ever committed 100% over a long enough period of intense training and played enough back-to-back tournaments to show what can be done.

This is new tennis territory !!

So-

Let’s go all in here !!

….. and give tennis and sports fans worldwide, something unique to cheer about -

and showcase

Look at what the new 60 can do,

I also want to send a message to all 40 and 50 year olds - hey you’re not over the hill yet - look at all the great stuff that lies ahead !!

It only gets better if you persist and want it to.

Being an older athlete, you REALLY appreciate any gains you make so much more.

Thank You for taking the time to read through.

Please support this effort and pass it on.

Charlie M

Manchester NH 10/25