Tennis Works

For the first time in North Bucks, Milton Keynes based Cavill Academy, has recently been accredited as a LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) Performance Club.

This prestigious status has been awarded due to the programme, the quality of performance coaches and the ability of the players in the academy. There are 120 county affiliated clubs in the UK of which the Cavill Academy is the only one in North Bucks and one of 6 in Bucks. The accreditation enables the Cavill Academy to access vital funding from the LTA and further opportunities to attract sponsors to develop future tennis talent.

Both the National Coach and local LTA Tennis Manager have visited the academy over the past year, which has helped advance the application for Performance status. There are very few programmes in the UK that offer a quality performance package and many coaching hours each week for players aged 7 – 12 years, which has been the key to the success of the Cavill Academy. The programme has been based off the international successes from academies in Spain, which have a proven record. Next year the Cavill Academy will offer 17 hours a week including, personalised fitness programmes supported by a Fitness instructor, Physiotherapist and Pilates instructor, technical and tactical on court coaching, annual tournament plans and much more.

Cavill Academy coach, John Cavill, said, “I am very pleased that we have earned the support from the LTA. As with every sport at performance level, the costs are extremely high, so our sport is always dependent on funding and sponsorship to make things happen. We are now in the position to attract more sponsorship from local businesses, as our programme is set to produce performance players for years to come. The goal is to develop players at an international level and the work has only just begun, setting the foundations for the talented youngsters.”

The Cavill Academy started in September 2005 and over the past year the players are starting to make their mark on the local tournament circuit. During this summer the players have competed in numerous events in Gerrards Cross, Chesham, Leverstock Green, Great Missenden and Radlett, all in preparation for the County Closed Tournament at the end of August.

Released: 1 August 2006