GB NATIONAL ACADEMY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF

1 A WORLD-CLASS ENVIRONMENT, SETTING NEW STANDARDS AND TRANSFORMING PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

University of Stirling, Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence

2 WELCOME

Hello and welcome – I am Leo Azevedo, the Head Coach for the GB National Tennis Academy at the I am also excited there is a strong next generation to . You can find out more about me cultivate, with Jonny O’Mara, 2020 and my coaching world-class team within quarter-finalist and on the verge of the these pages. team under the tutelage of Scottish Coach Toby Smith, young Aidan McHugh on the Pro Scholarship Scotland has established an enviable track record Programme and University of Stirling student Maia of delivering success on the world stage in tennis Lumsden breaking into the WTA top 300. and the pinnacle of British tennis success has been achieved by the Murray family over the past The GB National Tennis Academy, funded by the decade and more. LTA, will be boosted by significant contributions from partners, noticeably the University of Stirling, primarily Andy has won three Grand Slams, two Olympic Gold through facility provision, and tennis scholars training Medals and 49 ATP Tour Titles; Jamie has won 23 ATP with National Academy players replicating a key Tour Titles and is seven-time champion; aspect of Andy’s successful formula. while their mother Judy, is a former Tennis Scotland National Coach and Fed Cup captain. The sportscotland institute of sport will help us deliver world-class sport science and medicine support, Only recently, Scotland was rightly proud to possess while Dollar Academy, a leading independent three world number 1s at the same time: Sir Andy school, offers an excellent track record of Murray OBE, OBE and the Paralympic attainment, as well as boarding, pastoral care and gold medallist and winner of multiple Grand Slams, welfare provision. Gordon Reid MBE. , Britain’s successful Davis Cup captain and current Head of Men’s Tennis The GB National Tennis Academy is set amongst at the LTA, and , the National Academy Scotland’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring Lead Performance Coach and former Davis Cup scenery: it is against this backdrop that my coaching player, ATP Tour title winner, and Commonwealth team and I will strive to develop future champions. Games Gold Medallist, have also been at the We can’t wait to start working with the next cohort vanguard of this tennis rejuvenation. I am delighted of talented British juniors. that Colin, Esteban Carril, Toni Gordon and Bruno Argudo complete my existing coaching team.

3 WHY STIRLING?

SCOTTISH TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESS

Accounting for approximately 10% of the UK population, Scotland consistently OUR SUCCESS IN NUMBERS ______punches above its weight and this is particularly the case in performance tennis. For almost 20 years Scotland has been a significant strength within British tennis, producing unrivalled success at elite level, mainly through brothers Andy and Jamie Murray, both reaching world number 1 in their respective fields, alongside Wimbledon champion Gordon Reid MBE. Double Olympic singles champion, twice Wimbledon Champion and US Open Champion in 2012, Sir 82ATP 22GRAND 03OLYMPIC OBE became a Doctor of the University of Stirling in recognition of his services to TITLES SLAMS PARALYMPIC GOLDS tennis in 2014, for more information CLICK HERE SIR ANDY MURRAY OBE SIR ANDY MURRAY OBE SIR ANDY MURRAY OBE The current crop of young Scottish tennis players performing on the international 49 3 2 stages includes Jonny O’Mara, , Aidan McHugh, Ali Collins, JAMIE MURRAY OBE JAMIE MURRAY OBE GORDON REID MBE Jacob Fearnley and Connor Thomson to name a few. One full-time professional 23 7 1 player and ATP title winner who reached the last 32 in his first Grand Slam, one Pro Scholarship Programme player and three National Age Group Programme COLIN FLEMING GORDON REID MBE players – a terrific return that can be increased significantly with the infrastructure 8 12 and opportunities surrounding the National Academy. JONNY O’MARA 2

4 Sir Andy Murray OBE became a Doctor of the University of Stirling in recognition of his services to tennis in 2014 5 COACHING TEAM

GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY HEAD COACH “I’m very passionate about the development LEONARDO AZEVEDO of young talent and this will be the perfect ______environment to achieve that – everything is in Renowned as a world-class coach - including for place to allow young players to thrive. I could his work with former world number 1 Juan Carlos not wish for a better team to work alongside, with Ferrero - Leonardo Azevedo brings vast experience Colin, Esteban, Toni and Bruno all bringing different at the highest level of both male and female strengths and experiences to the programme professional tennis, with a particularly strong record which will help provide young players with a truly in developing juniors. world-class tennis education.”

The 42-year-old has coached across the world for almost 20 years, from junior level to Grand Slam, Davis Cup and Olympic Games preparation, and has worked with some of the world’s most promising As the head of USTA PD I could I have known and worked with players such as Ferrero, Cici Bellis and Guillermo always count on coach Leo, Leo for the past ten years, he was Garcia Lopez.

“whether as a leader of a particular “instrumental in the success of our (USTA) programme in Carson and programme or as a coach and Leo Azevedo, GB National Tennis Academy Head

helped develop a very good crop mentor to a particular programme. Coach: “It is an honour to be appointed the Leo is a coach’s coach – he loves first Head Coach of the new GB National Tennis of juniors, including some that to work with others and always Academy at the University of Stirling. Tennis in Britain achieved top world rankings. I truly “ tries to make the players that he and Scotland has been on a fantastic journey over believe Leo will be an asset to any

works with more accountable the last two decades and we don’t need to look far serious developmental programme to themselves as players and as from Stirling to be inspired by just what is possible. José Higueras,

individuals. Tennis Scotland and the Former coach of LTA have hired a great coach, and an even better person in “ Leo Azevedo. Partick McEnroe, former ATP world number 28 and 3 for singles and doubles respectively

6 NATIONAL ACADEMY LEAD NATIONAL ACADEMY PERFORMANCE ADVISOR PERFORMANCE COACH ______ESTEBAN CARRIL COLIN FLEMING ______Esteban Carril is a highly sought after, world Colin Fleming is the Lead Performance Coach at renowned coach who will bring vast experience GB National Tennis Academy. Colin will bring all his and genuine world-class quality to the GB National experience in professional tennis as winner of 8 ATP Tennis Academy. Esteban has been an LTA World Tour Doubles titles, as a double Olympian Performance Advisor since October 2018, he works competing at London 2012 and Rio 2016, member together with the Performance Team to help in the of GB Davis Cup Squad, Gold medallist in The development of young British tennis players. Commonwealth Games in Delhi 2010 and Grand Slam Quarter-finalist of Men’s Doubles (Wimbledon Previous to this appointment, Esteban was coach of and twice in the Us Open). Colin is currently a who reached the Top 10 of the WTA member of the GB Fed Cup Coaching Team and rankings under his guidance. Esteban also coached Tennis Scotland Performance Consultant. Spanish Roberto Bautista, consolidated for many

years now as a Top 30 ATP player. “ Colin was previously Tennis Scotland National Working with Esteban had some of

Coach where he supported Lead Individual the most profound effect on my coaches in the development of young Scottish career, and life. He coaches with “ “ talent including Jonny O’Mara, Aidan McHugh, I can say without hesitation I have compassion, detail, professionalism, Gordon Reid MBE, Maia Lumsden, Jacob Fearnley, learnt more in those weeks being and is nurturing of both the tennis Connor Thomson and Ali Collins. Colin also coached with Esteban than at any other player and the human being. It was the GB Age Group Teams in the European “ Summer Cup 2017. stage of my tennis life. A lot of a pleasure to work with him. people can coach but very few Johanna Konta, GB number 1 can communicate the changes needed in a players game in a way that not only makes those changes happen but does not diminish a

Colin Fleming in my opinion is one players self confidence in his/her

of the best coaches in Britain. I game. Esteban has a fine eye for

“wouldn’t change my training base details and his ability to develop

of Stirling for anywhere else in the a player in their formative years is world. I am looking to push into the “ second to none, whoever has the ATP top 30 and GB Davis Cup team, opportunity to work with Esteban “ so it is obviously a pretty good has an incredible opportunity. tennis centre. , Former coach of Sir Andy Murray OBE Jonny O’Mara

7 COACHING TEAM

GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY COACH BRUNO ARGUDO ______PERFORMANCE COACH TONI GORDON ______

Performance Coach, Toni Gordon, has previously Academy Coach, Bruno Argudo, is a former tennis worked in club and academy coaching roles scholar at the University of Stirling gaining an MSc to working on the professional tour. He worked in Sports Management whilst combining work as a with Albert Portas (former top 20 ATP player) and Graduate Assistant Tennis Coach, supporting lead coached the Club Team in Barcelona with Carla coaches Toby Smith and with Tennis Suarez (WTA top 10 player). Most recently Toni Scotland’s Junior Performance Players including; worked with Gabriella Taylor a WTA top 200 player Aidan McHugh, Maia Lumsden and Ali Collins. on the LTA PSP programme. Bruno then set up his own academy in Spain where As a player Toni was a top international junior. he also worked part-time for the Soto Academy. Toni has a degree in Physical Education at Texas Christian University (TCU).

Bruno is a gentlemen and I could Toni is extremely dedicated; he genuinely wax lyrical about him for loves tennis and has incredible “pages. His people skills stand out. “passion for the game. I am Bruno has an amazing ability to

amazed at his daily hard work, his connect with people of all ages/

consistency and his knowledge sexes from young players to parents

on and off the court. He has great and he was a big favourite with

skills on emotional intelligence all of our staff members. I have no which I believe nowadays is key to “ doubts Bruno will be an absolute educate and train young kids. He asset to Tennis Scotland. “ is very popular with young players, families and his colleagues. Dan Kiernan, SotoTennis Academy Director Albert Portas, and former British number 1 former top 20 ATP player doubles player

88 WORLD-CLASS BIOMECHANICS

Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland chief executive, ______DR MARC KOVACS said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Kovacs Institute and Dr Mark Kovacs which Tennis Scotland is delighted to work in partnership will bring world-class biomechanics support to the with the Kovacs Institute who will support the GB GB National Tennis Academy. He is at the cutting “ National Tennis Academy coaching team with the edge of sports science developments and has technical development of players. a great record in tennis.”

Dr Mark Kovacs, a leading world-class biomechanist and former professional tennis player, has an extensive background in training and researching elite athletes, having previously directed the Through the Kovacs Institute we are Leo Azevedo, GB National Tennis sports science, strength and conditioning and coach excited to work with Tennis Scotland, Academy head coach, added education departments for the United States “Leo Azevedo, Colin Fleming and Tennis Association. Over his career he has worked the entire team as a biomechanical “ with dozens of top professional tennis players Dr Mark Kovacs will help consultant on tennis strokes and including , Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys us immensely in the technical

movement. We are also excited to and Reilly Opelka. development of the players at Stirling have many of the staff go through with his knowledge of biomechanics.

the International Tennis Performance As a high performance expert, sport consultant, I worked with him at the USTA for Association (ITPA) educational performance physiologist, professor and coach, a number of years and I can see why curriculum in areas of tennis specific “ Dr Kovacs is known as the go to expert for elite he is recognised as one of the best in athletes looking for science based programming fitness and sport science education.

the business. He was instrumental in to optimise human performance. He was recently This added sport science and supporting the successful players that appointed as Senior Director of Sports Science and technical knowledge will help “ I worked with at the USTA. Health to the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA one of improve the quality of coaching and the biggest positions in American sports. training throughout the country.

Dr Mark Kovacs, Kovacs Institute

9 PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURE

The coaching team at the GB National Tennis Academy will adopt a holistic approach to player development: It’s a genuine coup for tennis in

Scotland and Great Britain to

• Develop players with ID “attract a coach of Leonardo’s calibre, • Players from Stirling will be recognized for the bringing with him a truly world-class values them demonstrate rather than the tracksuit reputation. Our recruitment process for they wear. this key role was thorough and we have “ • Respectful, hard workers, team approach, open excellent references from some of the most minded, integrity, tough competitors, passionate, respected coaches in the game, including effort and engagement and José Higueras. • Independent players who problem solve and Blane Dodds, make decisions Tennis Scotland Chief Executive The team that has been assembled • Matching their tennis game style to their physicality is unique and I do believe we will and personality “complement each other well which • Inter-disciplinary approach between tennis, in turn will be a real asset for the science and medicine

academy. I look forward to working • Monitoring and tracking progress through IAPs

with Leo and Esteban and I am sure I embedded in tennis, science and medicine. I am highly motivated to nurture young

players, using my coaching methodology to

will be learning from them as well. This • Committed to supporting and encouraging together with the support of Tennis academic programmes “help shape future professionals. I am excited to work with aspiring juniors at the GB “ Scotland and LTA teams behind us, • Wider social development of young people “ makes me confident we can create National Tennis Academy at the University of something special that will have • Daily and weekly meetings to discuss player by Stirling with the vision of developing players player so the day to day activities linkers to the to fulfil potential and enjoy careers in tennis positive results. longer term IAP Colin Fleming Esteban Carril, • All staff making the commitment to the LTA Performance Advisor same process

10 SPORTSCOTLAND INSTITUTE OF SPORT

The sportscotland institute of sport (SIS) the national agency for high performance sport, will through world-class practitioners, provide sport science and medicine support to the GB National Tennis Academy. SIS provides high performance leadership and expertise to sports and athletes throughout Scotland and the UK. Sport science and medicine support aims to consistently optimise performance level providing a holistic co-ordination of support:

SEAN TOUGH CATHERINE SMAILL JESSICA THOM PHYSICAL PREPARATION PHYSIOTHERAPY PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY

Sean oversees the design and delivery of Catherine leads on the delivery of physiotherapy for Jess will primarily deliver performance psychology to physical preparation. SIS support is passionate and the GB National Tennis Academy, providing: help athletes achieve optimum performance professional in pursuit of the best possible physical by supporting: • Musculoskeletal health to help players train performance. and compete without physical restriction • The key points of the coaching philosophy to • Programmes designed and implemented • Development of efficient and effective movement develop self-reliant players who can regulate their in conjunction with coaches and other service thoughts, emotions and actions providers • Developing players who are robust and resistant to injury • Players to direct their attention in training, • Proactive approach to injury prevention; competition and life outside of tennis. where required develop and deliver rehabilitation • Management of injury risk as well as assessment, programmes treatment and rehabilitation of any injuries. • Specialised work in the area of visual routines, self-awareness, self-regulation & mindfulness • Design and deliver effective integrated tracking Catherine is the lead physiotherapist for Snowsports and monitoring protocols and processes • Cutting edge delivery in special projects including and supported the GB team at their most successful neuroscience. Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang in 2018. Sean also co-ordinates the wider support service team. Sean’s previous work involved leading physical In addition to her role with the GB National Tennis Before starting at the SIS in 2016, Catherine had preparation for the Scottish national women’s Academy, Jess also works with British Shooting previously worked in the NHS and with a range of hockey team and the diving programme. During his as part of her wider remit with SIS. Prior to starting sports teams including Women’s Cricket time Sean developed Scotland’s first female diving at the SIS, Jess had experience of working with Under 19 squad, England Disability Cricket squads Olympian and Britain’s first finalist (8th). Wasps Rugby, the British Olympic Bobsleigh team, & Swansea City Football Club. Welsh U20 Lacrosse and a number of professional football teams. 11 SPORTSCOTLAND INSTITUTE OF SPORT

BROWN FERGUSON KENNY MORE REBECCA BURNS PERFORMANCE LIFESTYLE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS PERFORMANCE NUTRITION

Brown will co-ordinate, oversee and deliver Support will be co-ordinated and overseen by Rebecca Burns will primarily deliver Performance Performance Lifestyle support which provides Kenny More, Notational Analysis Lead at Nutrition support. Rebecca will help educate players tailored, individualised coaching, mentoring and sportscotland which provides: to select the right foods and fluids, in the right counselling services to support performance quantity and at the right time to: • Specialised services in data management, athletes, coaches, parents and key personnel in all notational analysis, skill acquisition and special • Maximise training gains aspects of an athlete’s life. projects and innovation • Enhance recovery Brown will support player welfare and wellbeing • Working with measurement-based processes and • Reduce risk of illness throughout their time at the GB National Tennis provide evidence based support Academy. Specifically support includes: • Optimum body morphology for tennis Kenny has over 18 years of experience with SIS • Dual career and transition management across 5 Olympic and Commonwealth Games Rebecca works with Tennis Scotland and Dollar • Professional and personal development cycles, as well as having been match analyst to the Academy to ensure that nutrition requirements for • Lifestyle management National Men’s Football Team for 8 years. Support all players are met on a group and individual basis. • Preparation for a successful life after sport will be primarily delivered by Simon Lovelock Rebecca has previously worked with the NHS, Sport and supported by Marc Kinsey, MSc student in Wales Institute of Sport where she supported Swim Since starting at SIS in 2012 Brown has been working Performance Analysis. Wales and Welsh Cycling at the Commonwealth with Scottish tennis players. He has also led support Games in the Gold Coast. Rebecca has represented for curling, swimming and triathlon. Brown brings Scotland in athletics. a wealth of experience – particularly working with athletes on the transition pathway through sport and studies.

12 DAVID SOMERVILLE DR NIALL ELLIOT HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS MEDICINE MANAGER

Niall is the Head of Sports Medicine at SIS David is a High Performance Manager at SIS. David and will oversee the medical network support for provides leadership and expertise to the GB National GB NTA who: Tennis Academy. David plays a key strategic role, fostering a strong partnership between Tennis • Work closely with the wider support team in an Scotland and SIS. inter disciplinary way to support the need to training and compete effectively David champions the SIS approach to apply the • Focus on preventing illness and injury and important framework of: delivering evidence-based medical care after accurate diagnosis, careful clinical examination, • High Challenge • High Support experience and knowledge in order to maintain a • High Integrity healthy athlete.

• Will look at travel implications, rest and recovery David drives support in an interdisciplinary way, and promote clean sport working as a team in a programme which is athlete- centred and coach-led. • Oversee referrals through the medical insurance scheme Elsewhere David supports other areas of the tennis performance pathway in Scotland, as well as a Niall is the Chief Medical Officer to eamT GB for number of other sports including athletics, boxing Tokyo 2020, having performed the role at two prior and judo. Summer Olympic Games and two Winter Olympic Games, as well as for Team Scotland at three David was previously JudoScotland National

Commonwealth Games. High Performance Coach, where he worked with Olympians and Paralympians, World, European

and Commonwealth medallists, achieving the I think we are very lucky because accolade of 2014 Scottish Performance Coach of the Year, after the historic success at the we get to use the sportscotland institute “of sport, for me they are the best I have “ Commonwealth Games. David is a former Commonwealth medallist. ever come across. We get to use the physios, the nutritionist, the physical trainers and that’s unbelievable. Jonny O’Mara

13 PLAYER EXPERIENCES

In the first six months of the GB NTA, players José will share his coaching philosophy at the ______JUAN CARLOS FERRERO ACADEMY have benefited from some wonderful experiences annual Tennis Scotland Coaches’ Conference Players at the GB National Tennis Academy enjoyed including: where academy players will gain valuable work experience supporting the running of the event. one week training at the JC Ferrero Equelite JOSÉ HIGUERAS VISITS SCOTLAND Sport Academy in Spain. As well as meeting and ______spending some time on court with former world World-renowned tennis coach and former player, number 1 , the players were also José Higueras, brings his coaching expertise to work able to train and spar against full time academy with the GB National Tennis Academy players for players in Spain, outdoors on the clay. Another a training camp. José won 16 ATP singles titles and fantastic experience and a fine example of reached back-to-back semi-finals at Roland Garros Leo Azevedo’s contacts in the game benefitting in 1982 and 1983, the year in which he reached the players. number 6 in the world rankings.

José, a former coach to tennis superstar Roger Federer, also worked with some of the world’s best players, including and , and was recruited as the United States ______MURRAY TROPHY Tennis Association’s director of coaching 2008 where he now acts as a consultant. Tennis Scotland in partnership with the LTA and Glasgow Life delivered the ATP Challenge Tour “Leo Azevedo is a great friend of mine and I have a Event: The Murray Trophy. Jamie Murray played lot of respect for him as a coach therefore when he a key role in promoting and hosting the event. asked me to visit the GB National Tennis Academy Prior to the start of play Jamie spent an afternoon I didn’t give it a second thought. As well as a great coaching GB NTA players, promoting doubles drills friendship, I share with Leo the same personal and with his former playing partner Colin Fleming. tennis values which was why I previously chose Leo to work with us at the USTA. British tennis is lucky to https://twitter.com/tennisscotland/ have a professional of Leo’s calibre leading the GB status/1177115587610329088 National Tennis Academy in Scotland.” On finals day the GB NTA players performed a training demonstration in front of a partisan crowd!

14 BENEFITS

ORLD-CLASS COACHING ORLD-CLASS SORT SCINC AND DICIN SUORT

5 R RSON

Stirling is one of two National Academies at the heart of the BENEFITS “LTA’s Player Pathway. It provides a OF GB NATIONAL TENNIS comprehensive full-time residential ACADEMY training and competition programme led by a world-class coaching team CLLNT ACADIC with cutting-edge science and DUCATION medicine support. Academy players

receive a first class education at one of Scotland’s leading schools, Dollar

Academy where they also reside. The LTA is opening tennis up to QUALITY OF LIF provide more opportunities to young “ talent and make Britain one of the most respected nations in the world A ROGRA HICH INCLUDS 15 S for tennis player development. OF COTITION Scott Lloyd, LTA CEO ROUNDD DLONT OF YOUNG OL

15 DOLLAR ACADEMY

DOLLAR ACADEMY EDUCATION BOARDING ______

GB National Tennis Academy at the University of Stirling is proud to partner with There are approximately 1300 pupils at Dollar Academy, and just under 10% are Dollar Academy. Founded in 1818, Dollar has its roots firmly in Scottish education, boarders. Around half of the boarding community is from the UK, while the other but its provision knows no boundaries. Pupils are offered an education that half is international. Boarders are a defining feature of life at the school and the covers an unrivalled range of academic and co-curricular activities designed to boarding accommodation is of the highest standard. Dollar’s three boarding nurture individual talents, interests and ambitions. houses replicate a family environment where children come to learn new skills, make lifelong friendships and do as much ‘growing up’ as they would at home. In 2018, Dollar was named The Sunday Times’ Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year after reaching its highest ever position in the rankings with Following an unannounced inspection visit by the Care Inspectorate in January more than 85% of Higher and Advanced Higher pupils securing top A or B grades. 2017, the official rating on Dollar’s boarding was graded at the highest Level 6 “Excellent” for the quality of care and support pupils receive. The report Like most schools in Scotland, Dollar Academy follows the Scottish Curriculum, observed, “We saw highly sensitive and caring attitudes from boarding house administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). These qualifications staff, which helped them to clearly establish the ethos of home from home in are highly valued by universities across the UK, Europe and the US. The system a family atmosphere in the houses.” is similar, in many respects, to the English system with a broad range of subjects being studied up until age 14, followed by National 5s (similar to the English GCSE), Higher (similar to the old English AS level) and then Advanced Higher (equivalent to the English A level) examinations.

Breadth of choice is a recurring theme at Dollar and pupils can choose from the largest range of Highers available anywhere in Scotland. Given their training requirements, GB National Academy students will work to a reduced timetable of 15-16 hours per week. As a guide, National Academy pupils would aim to 1,00 10 50 Level study for five National 5s and then three Highers. The school will work with each Total numer of upils at of the oarding xcellent for pupil on subject choices based on their own academic ability. For any children of upils at Dollar Academy community is from quality and care who experience barriers to learning during their time at school, the Support for Dollar Academy are oarders the U pupils receive Learning Department can help meet each individual set of needs.

16 In 2018, Dollar was named The Sunday Times’ Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year

17 WELFARE/PASTORAL MEDICAL PROVISION ______

Dollar Academy recognises that, in order for every Dollar Academy has a well-resourced Medical young person to succeed to the best of their Centre, which is staffed Monday to Friday during abilities, they must do so in a caring and secure term time by a team of nurses led by Mrs Dunnet. environment; one which will encourage them to develop self-confidence and social skills, one The school nurses attend to incidents of injury where the relationship between all members of or illness amongst pupils and staff on site, and the community is based on trust and respect. In are responsible for the provision of health order to foster this trusting relationship, Dollar has screening, medical examinations and vaccination a well-developed pastoral and guidance system. programmes as appropriate in line with national Guidance staff also have a role in curricular School Health Service guidelines. They work in guidance and in discipline. close conjunction with senior management and guidance staff with regard to pupil welfare, In essence, they have a complete overview of participate in the delivery of health-related topics each child’s progress and development - social, in the school’s PSE programme, and support Dollar emotional and academic. A survey held in 2017 Academy’s health and wellbeing programme. involving more than 1000 pupils, teachers, former pupils and parents indicated that families choose Dollar Academy for reasons of excellence, opportunity and community. The values the pupils ascribed to the school converted into three imperatives which were: “work hard, be kind and get involved”. These are central to the ethos of the school and all staff recognise that excellent pastoral care makes a vital contribution to the intellectual and social development of each individual pupil.

______DOLLAR ACADEMY SCHOOL VALUES Dollar Academy will provide a bespoke and safe national WORK HARD academy transport service to take players between the BE KIND school and the university. The run takes 21 minutes and is a GET INVOLVED door to door service.

18 CO-CURRICULAR DOLLAR ACADEMY FACILITIES ______

Encouraging children to get involved is central Dollar Academy is situated in stunning countryside to the Dollar ethos. The school has a great on a beautiful 70-acre campus in Central Scotland. academic reputation but a truly excellent All academic departments, sports facilities and education is about far more than that. Activities boarding houses are located within the school out of class time are just as significant in the grounds. Sport is deeply rooted in life at Dollar development of young people. and the school benefits from excellent facilities including: Dollar prides itself on offering pupils more than 70 different clubs and activities. From sports as diverse as skiing, yoga and ultimate frisbee to a multitude • A swimming pool of art, drama and music clubs there is something • Two large indoor sports halls for everyone. There are also a number of service • A fitness suite (including spinning area) activities including charity work, CCF and The Duke of ’s Awards. All options allow pupils to • A strength and conditioning room broaden their minds and learn how to commit • A physiotherapy room themselves to a cause. • A range of grass and artificial pitches A full list of the activities can be viewed on the Dollar Academy website CLICK HERE Dollar Tennis Club is just a five minute walk from the school. Despite being surrounded by wide green spaces, Scotland’s major cities and their airports are ART DRAMA within easy reach. Dollar is only a 20 minute drive from Stirling, 30 minutes from Perth and under an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

OTHER ACTIVITIES MUSIC

DOLLAR ACADEMY CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE

TRIPS SPORT & VISITS

DUKE OF COMBINED EDINBURGH’S CADET FORCE AWARD

19 UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING SCOTLAND’S UNIVERSITY FOR SPORTING EXCELLENCE,

A NATIONAL TITLE AWARDED BY GOVERNMENT

THE TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2020: SPORTS UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR ______“ The University of Stirling has been crowned the UK’s Sports University of the Year University of Stirling an institution which is for 2020 in recognition of its world-class facilities and excellence across sports recognised internationally for its sports research performance, research and education. It is the first time a Scottish university “ has received the distinguished accolade and it builds on Stirling’s longstanding and facilities Sir Andy Murray OBE designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME ______

The University’s International Sports Scholarship Programme is one of the largest high-performance sports programmes in the UK. We’ve supported more than 1,000 UK and overseas student athletes since its inception in 1981. We’ve produced some of the finest British and Scottish talents in history across a range of sports. Our student athletes have successfully competed at the Olympic games, the Commonwealth Games and the Walker Cup, to name a few.

TENNIS SCHOLARSHIPS ______

The Tennis Programme has an excellent track record of success in BUCS and mainstream sport over the last 20 years. A holistic player development programme operates year round, providing excellent coaching, S & C, physiotherapy and sport psychology. Integrating aspects of training between University of Stirling Scholar athletes and National Academy players will be mutually beneficial and create opportunities similar to those experienced by former junior players including Sir Andy Murray OBE, Jonny O’Mara and Maia Lumsden.

20

SPORTS FACILITIES I trained on the courts at the Scottish National Tennis Centre at the University of Stirling when I was growing up. “ “ The University of Stirling is the training base for some of the UK’s top Olympic and Paralympic athletes and is It’s recognised internationally for its home of Scotland’s National Swimming Academy, the Scottish National Tennis Centre and Triathlon Scotland. sporting facilities and I know there are Our extensive sports facilities allow you to play and train alongside Olympic athletes. some talented junior players practising there every day. A £20million transformation of the University of Stirling’s sports facilities will see Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence create an iconic new sports complex that will be integrated with existing world-class facilities. The Sir Andy Murray OBE redevelopment has already started and is due for completion in summer 2020. We are rated first in Scotland and second in the UK for sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2016).

TENNIS COURTS SWIMMING POOL ______

The tennis facilities include six acrylic hard indoor The University has a reputation as one of the UK’s courts (4 until 2020) – Access to four outdoor red leading high-performance swimming centres clay courts (BoASC). as it hosts the National Swimming Academy, a partnership between the University, Scottish GYM AND SPORTS SCIENCE LAB Swimming and British Swimming. Our athlete ______swimmers have enjoyed medal success at the The University of Stirling operates a high-performance Olympics, the World Championships, Deaflympics gym, currently used by the University’s own and British Summer Championships. performance athletes, as well as sportscotland Institute of Sport. The facility redevelopment will SPORTS HALL ______create unrivalled high-performance suite designed The unique feature of sport at with input from sportscotland Institute of Sport Ideal for a wide variety of sports, including colleagues, including a 40m sprint straight, strength badminton, table tennis, short tennis and basketball. the University of Stirling is the and conditioning areas, assessment area, sports environment within which Olympic

“ science testing and physiotherapy/treatment rooms. medallists train and compete PLAYER’S LOUNGE ______alongside students, staff and the GOLF COURSE wider community. This development “ ______GB National Tennis Academy players will enjoy of an exclusive Players Lounge within the tennis facilities at will mark the beginning of another The University golf course is a nine-hole, par three course the University of Stirling. The 55m2 Lounge will include exciting chapter for sport at the ideal for golfers of all abilities. There is also a putting relaxing spaces with sofas, TV and video games University and within the Stirling area. green nearby, located in front of Airthrey Castle. as well as a study area with desks and access to Cathy Gallagher, Director of Sport internet. There will be small kitchen facilities where prepared or cooked food can be reheated.

21 QUALITY OF LIFE

STIRLING AND DOLLAR ______

Stirling is known as the Gateway to the Highlands and there are considerable quality of life benefits to experience through life in central Scotland. The University of Stirling is situated between the stunning Ochil Hills, the famous Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, next to , a picturesque village between and Stirling.

The Aithrey Loch and Aithrey Castle are at the heart of the idyllic 330-acre parkland university campus, which is regularly described as one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

Parts of Stirling, Dunblane, Bridge of Allan and much of the rural area are some of the most affluent and successful communities in the country with good health and excellent quality of life. Dollar town in particular offers quaint shops and eateries and most of the businesses can be found on the main street, Bridge Street. It provides the perfect backdrop for academic achievement and sporting excellence.

22 TIMETABLE

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A NATIONAL ACADEMY PLAYER

. GOOD NIGHT

6.A RELAX MORNING

8 6.5A SOCIAL LIGHT BREAKFAST

A DAY 7A IN THE LIFE SC OF A NATIONAL

6. ACADEMY HOMEWORK PLAYER

A SCHOOL 6 DINNER

. 12 TENNIS LUNCH

Hypothetical timetable indicative of time on task.

23 PROGRESSION ROUTES

PROFESSIONAL TENNIS UK / US UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS ______

The main goal of the GB National Tennis Academy There are no risks or compromises within the GB is to produce elite players reaching the top 100 National Tennis Academy, only opportunities. The Stirling has been a fundamental positions of professional tennis. This is the route that University tennis exit has proved to be an excellent we want to instil in all our players the moment they choice for those players wanting to combine an stepping stone for my development become part of the Academy. academic education with tennis at the highest level. “as a tennis player. Together with my former coach Toby Smith, I have PSP The University of Stirling is well positioned to ______been coming to Stirling on a regular support players graduating from the National basis since I was 12. Stirling gave the The Pro Scholarship Programme would be a natural Academy. Stirling has numerous examples opportunity to have a tennis centre step forward for those players 16+ with strong of student athletes enjoying the university where I could practice with older potential to become Top 100 within five years, the environment, support and sense of being part of and more experienced players, perfect link between the National Academy and a team which has helped their progression into mainly University of Stirling Scholars, the Elite support of the LTA National Player Pathway. professional tennis, including Colin Fleming, who added value to my tennis Jonny O’Mara and Gordon Reid MBE.

programme. EMPLOYMENT (PROFESSIONAL LIFE SKILLS) ______

This was possible thanks to the links between Tennis Scotland and the The benefits of a dual career pathway of a student athlete are well established. The University of Stirling University of Stirling. I’m sure the GB “ and the tennis programme has contributed to National Tennis Academy will be the tennis workforce, to the point where all of the excellent for young players to grow national coaching team were graduates and a and develop their tennis high percentage of the Tennis Scotland Senior Aidan McHugh Management Team are graduates.

24 WORLD-CLASS STIRLING WHAT THE PLAYERS SAY

______SIR ANDY MURRAY OBE ______GORDON REID MBE ______COLIN FLEMING ______MAIA LUMSDEN

Growing up I was fortunate, I have trained at the University of The Scottish National Tennis Centre at Since returning to Stirling my tennis has Dunblane Sports Club gave me Stirling for 10 years now so this place the University of Stirling has been a big improved to the point where I have opportunities to train and compete has been a great part of my life part of my tennis career as I played won WTA titles, achieved a ranking of from a young age and we had and my career as a tennis player. there from it’s opening in 1991 right around 300 WTA and been selected indoor courts at the University of At Stirling there is a lot of variety of through until I retired from professional for various scholarship programmes. Stirling on the door step. In addition players to train and hit with. tennis in 2016. As a junior I trained with Now I receive support from the NAGP, to the facilities, I was lucky to have the likes of Andy and Jamie Murray, University of Stirling, Winning Students my mother, as the National Coach, There are players of different age , and and the Tennis Scotland National my older brother Jamie, and Leon who are suitable for training, many Keith Meisner and it was great to train Player Programme which help Smith, who worked as my coach for squads where I can join and have a with the University’s tennis scholars who me combine the dual career of a a time. good session, players with different added further variety and competition. student-athlete and chase my dream game styles to adapt to and to figure I then attended the University as a of becoming a full-time professional There was a talented group of out how to play against them. tennis scholar myself before continuing tennis player whilst preparing for a life Scottish juniors, as well as older to train there throughout my whole after elite tennis. University tennis scholars to train professional career. alongside. This variety definitely helped develop my game early on.

25 BOOK YOUR OPEN DAY PLACE

To book your Open Day place on either Saturday 29 February or Thursday 5 March Please e-mail: [email protected]

OPEN DAYS ______

GB National Tennis Academy will host two Open Days to give shortlisted players and parents/guardians the opportunity to tour the facilities at the University of Stirling and Dollar Academy, meet with Performance staff and experience a taste of what life will be like at the National Academy and specifically within the tennis environment.

SELECTION PROCESS ______

Player selection process is available HERE

DAY PLAN ______

• Welcome and presentation from Tennis Scotland CEO and GB National Tennis Academy Head Coach • Meet the GB National Tennis Academy staff team • S&C and on court Tennis session • Visit and tour Dollar Academy including Welcome from Ian Munro • Tour of University of Stirling Campus • Q&A with GB National Tennis Academy Head Coach, LTA Representative, GB National Tennis Academy Staff, SIS practitioners and School Staff

26 KEY CONTACTS

______JASON ATKINS GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY MANAGER Jason Atkins has an excellent track record in leading sport programmes. At the University of Stirling he led Scotland’s National Sport Scholarship Programme ‘Winning Students’. Jason is a former Scottish Universities Internationalist and GB Universities Golf Team Manager. [email protected]

______MAT HULBERT GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY WELFARE OFFICER

Mat has been with Tennis Scotland for the last 20 years and is the Safeguarding Officer. Mat brings a wealth of experience to the role of GB National Tennis Academy Welfare Officer. Mat is also a Level 5 Accredited+ coach and also a qualified Tutor/Assessor. [email protected]

______WEBSITE www.lta.org.uk/about-us/in-your-area/tennis-scotland/tennis-scotland-university-of-stirling/

SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS ______

facebook.com/tennisscotland instagram.com/tennisscotland

twitter.com/tennisscotland youtube.com/channel/UChCQCQ2w_e4BMKOy-j24m0Q

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