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Physical Education & Games

School serves to nurture great British players

Mark Cox drops in to check on progress of Amesbury's aces

AMESBURY School at Hindhead recently welcomed former British Wimbledon quarter-finalist Mark Cox to see the school's unique tennis programme in action.

The school established a tennis programme eight years ago and tennis professionals teach all pupils. A key element of the programme involves identifying young talent, and providing intensive year-round coaching. So far, it has produced three county players and one nationally ranked player.

Mark Cox, who is director of the Lawn Tennis Association's elite "National futures programme”. Said: "One of the major issues in British tennis is creative 'performance environments' for enough players to, stand any Chance of competing at world-class level.

Pupil Daniel Cochrane, who ranked in the country within his age group and is a member of the LTA's elite National Future programme said:

"Andy (Warry) has been my coach and it's really helpful to work with someone whom I trust. Someone who understands that it's a real advantage to have my technical sessions during the school day rather than in the evening when I'm tired. I also play a lot of rugby, soccer and cricket at school and this means I don't get bored just playing tennis, and I learn new skills, I'm not as good at those other sports and so that's another opportunity to learn more about myself and that helps my tennis."