Part funded through the Durham & Cleveland LTA and the LTA, we run regular all-year round county training for junior players across the County. Most coaching sessions are held at Sunderland Tennis Centre and are organised (and usually delivered) by our Performance Lead and County Coach, Phil Wylie.
In addition to the core programme at Sunderland, in September 2024 we launched a new satellite programme to offer an accessible venue (Tennis World) for 8U and 9U players from Cleveland and south Durham venues. This has broadened the base of our pyramid of talent to ensure our best players from all parts of the County have the opportunity to achieve the progress their ability deserves.
We host county training for junior players in the following age groups:
The programme brings together the top players in the county to train with each other optimising their development. For those who continue to progress, they will achieve county representation in identified team events against other counties. Our junior teams compete in the Junior County Cup competitions, held between February and August. All players, parents, and coaches are required to sign up to the County Code of Conduct in order to be considered for selection to the County programme.
This programme is designed to run alongside and in support of a player’s home club coaching. Players will train and meet with each other on a weekly basis to complement their club/coach programme. The sessions are high intensity, fun, and group based with an overall aim to enable a team ethos and assess the best pairings for future doubles matches in county events. The programme is invitational.
Matt Jackman works very closely with all coaches in the county to build strong links with junior club players, identify those with the potential to join the County talent pathway and develop those players into county players.
If you feel you know or work with a developing player with the potential to join our programme, please contact Phil via admin@dclta.org.
Full details of the Selection Criteria for all junior age groups can be seen here.