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Home , Aidan McHugh, CiCi Bellis, Colin Fleming, Eri Hozumi, Gordon Reid (tennis), Jamie Baker (tennis)

GB NATIONAL ACADEMY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING

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 I am also excited there is a strong next generation to Coach for the GB National Tennis Academy at the cultivate, with Jonny O’Mara, 2020 University of Stirling. You can find out more about me quarter-finalist and on the verge of the and my coaching world-class team within team under the tutelage of Scottish Coach Toby these pages. Smith, young Aidan McHugh on the Pro Scholarship Programme and University of Stirling student Maia Scotland has established an enviable track record Lumsden breaking into the WTA top 300. of delivering success on the world stage in tennis and the pinnacle of British tennis success has The GB National Tennis Academy, funded by the been achieved by the Murray family over the past LTA, will be boosted by significant contributions from decade and more. partners, noticeably the University of Stirling, primarily through facility provision, and tennis scholars training Andy has won three Grand Slams, two Olympic Gold with National Academy players replicating a key Medals and 49 ATP Tour Titles; Jamie has won 23 ATP aspect of Andy’s successful formula. Tour Titles and is seven-time champion; while their mother Judy, is a former Tennis Scotland The sportscotland institute of sport will help us deliver National Coach and Fed Cup captain. world-class sport science and medicine support, while Dollar Academy, a leading independent Only recently, Scotland was rightly proud to possess school, offers an excellent track record of three world number 1s at the same time: Sir Andy attainment, as well as boarding, pastoral care and Murray OBE, OBE and the Paralympic welfare provision. gold medallist and winner of multiple Grand Slams, Gordon Reid MBE. , Britain’s successful The GB National Tennis Academy is set amongst Davis Cup captain and current Head of Men’s Tennis Scotland’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring at the LTA, and , the National Academy scenery: it is against this backdrop that my coaching Lead Performance Coach and former Davis Cup team and I will strive to develop future champions. player, ATP Tour title winner, and Commonwealth We can’t wait to start working with the next cohort Games Gold Medallist, have also been at the of talented British juniors. vanguard of this tennis rejuvenation. I am delighted that Colin, Adam Lownsbrough, Bruno Argudo, Evie Williams, Millie Stretton and Scott Duncan complete the 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 84ATP 26GRAND 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 25 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 16 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, Ferrero - Leonardo Azevedo brings vast experience with Colin, Adam, Bruno, Evie, Millie and Scott all at the highest level of both male and female bringing different strengths and experiences to the professional tennis, with a particularly strong record programme which will help provide young players in developing juniors. with a truly 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 of juniors, including some that Leo is a coach’s coach – he loves first Head Coach of the new GB National Tennis “ 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 GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY LEAD PERFORMANCE COACH PERFORMANCE COACH COLIN FLEMING ADAM LOWNSBROUGH ______

Colin Fleming is the Lead Performance Coach at Adam Lownsbrough brings a wealth of experience GB National Tennis Academy. Colin will bring all his coaching players on the WTA and ATP Tours, experience in professional tennis as winner of 8 ATP including , Yuta Shimizu World Tour Doubles titles, as a double Olympian and Doubles finalist Eri Hozumi. competing at London 2012 and Rio 2016, member of GB Davis Cup Squad, Gold medallist in The Adam spent four years at the BTT Academy in Commonwealth Games in Delhi 2010 and Grand Barcelona working for Francis Roig, coach to Slam Quarter-finalist of Men’s Doubles (Wimbledon Rafael Nadal, who referred to Adam as: “Extremely and twice in the Us Open). Colin is currently a hard working, loyal and honest. His experience member of the GB Fed Cup Coaching Team and internationally at Academy and tour level is a Tennis Scotland Performance Consultant. benefit to any tennis environment.”

Colin was previously Tennis Scotland National Adam previously worked with a number of leading

Coach where he supported Lead Individual academies across the world including BTT, the Bob Adam is a great coach and I had coaches in the development of young Scottish Brett Academy and the Academy. my best result with him making the talent including Jonny O’Mara, Aidan McHugh, “final of Roland Garros doubles in “ Gordon Reid MBE, Maia Lumsden, Jacob Fearnley, 2018. I felt like I improved with his Connor Thomson and Ali Collins. Colin also coached guidance and work ethic. the GB Age Group Teams in the European

Eri Hozumi, Summer Cup 2017. I have great memories working with French Open Finalist Adam, the balance of hard work and

relaxed atmosphere helped gain “some fantastic results together. His experience and positivity will be a “ great addition to the team! Colin Fleming in my opinion is one Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, career high of the best coaches in Britain. I WTA ranking of 13 and twelve consecutive

“wouldn’t change my training base seasons inside the top 50. of Stirling for anywhere else in the

world. I am looking to push into the ATP top 30 and GB Davis Cup team, so it is obviously a pretty good “ tennis centre. Jonny O’Mara, Winner of 2 ATP Tour Titles

7 COACHING TEAM

GB NATIONAL TENNIS GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY COACH ACADEMY COACH BRUNO ARGUDO EVIE WILLIAMS

Academy Coach, Bruno Argudo, is a former tennis Prior to joining the Academy Evie had been working scholar at the University of Stirling gaining an MSc at the Edgbaston Priory Club since 2016 where she in Sports Management whilst combining work as a has been working across the pathway from mini Graduate Assistant Tennis Coach, supporting lead tennis to the Regional Player Development Centre coaches Toby Smith and with Tennis (RPDC). Evie has been Captain for Warwickshire Scotland’s Junior Performance Players including: county girls’ age group teams as well as the Aidan McHugh, Maia Lumsden and Ali Collins. women’s 1st team. Evie coached for a Bruno then set up his own academy in Spain short period in 2019. Evie, a level 4 SPC Coach, is a where he also worked part-time for the SotoTennis bright prospect and is part of a Mentorship Scheme Bruno is honest, engaging, and Academy. He has coached Gordon Reid to 4 with LTA National Age Group Coach dedicated. His passion for the Grand Slam Doubles Titles. Hollie Bambridge. sport is matched by his attention “to detail and professionalism. He challenges me every day in training GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY GB NATIONAL TENNIS ACADEMY to improve. His love for tennis and APPRENTICE COACH PRO HITTER

his positivity is infectious and is one MILLIE STRETTON SCOTT DUNCAN of the reasons he is popular with

the players he works with. He has had a great impact on my game, Millie graduated from the University of Maryland in Scott is a pro hitter for the GB National Tennis supporting multiple Grand Slam “ 2019 after playing four years of division 1 college Academy, with career-high rankings of 1274 ATP triumphs. tennis. In that time she reached #22 in the ITA Singles and 424 ATP Doubles. Scott is a former doubles rankings and achieved a 10.6 singles UTR. tennis scholar at the University of Stirling and Gordon Reid MBE, She began a graduate assistantship at Marymount recently graduated with a masters degree in Sport Paralympic Champion and University the following year, assisting with the Psychology. Scott is the joint most medalled GB Unis 16 time Grand Slam Champion tennis programme and completing her masters tennis athlete. He has represented Great Britain degree. She now assists the East of Scotland Universities four times, including the World University County programme in , alongside her Games in Naples in 2019. apprenticeship with the GB NTA in Stirling. 88 WORLD-CLASS BIOMECHANICS

DR MARC KOVACS Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, ______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 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, 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 performance physiologist, professor and coach, Association (ITPA) educational 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 recognised for the “bringing with him a truly world-class values they 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 Ivan Lendl 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, “ science and medicine in turn will be a real asset for the

academy. I look forward to working • Monitoring and tracking progress through IAPs Having worked on the WTA and ATP tours

with Leo and the team and I am sure embedded in tennis, science and medicine. and Academies abroad, as a British coach

I will be learning from them as well. • Committed to supporting and encouraging I am genuinely excited to work with aspiring

This together with the support of Tennis academic programmes “juniors at the GB National Tennis Academy Scotland and LTA teams behind us, • Wider social development of young people at the University of Stirling, with the vision of “ makes me confident we can create “ developing players to fulfil potential and something special that will have • Daily and weekly meetings to discuss player by enjoy careers in tennis. player so the day to day activities links to the positive results. longer term IAP Adam Lownsbrough, Colin Fleming, GB National Tennis Academy • All staff making the commitment to the Olympian & Former Davis Cup Player same process Performance Coach

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 & 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 leads the sport science & medicine team. He previous led the Scottish national women’s hockey In addition to her role with the GB National Tennis Before starting at the SIS in 2016, Catherine had team and the diving programme. Sean developed Academy, Jess also works with British Shooting previously worked in the NHS and with a range of Scotland’s first female diving Olympian and Britain’s as part of her wider remit with SIS. Prior to starting sports teams including England Women’s Cricket first finalist (8th). at the SIS, Jess had experience of working with Under 19 squad, England Disability Cricket squads Wasps Rugby, the British Olympic Bobsleigh team, & Swansea City Football Club. Coach Kallum Dray assists Sean with Physical Welsh U20 Lacrosse and a number of professional Preparation delivery, ensuring excellent coach to football teams. The physiotherapy service is bolstered with sports athlete ratios and individualised programmes. massage provision delivered by Kai Adams. 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 VIKKI BUNCE DR CARRIE MCCREA HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORTS MEDICINE MANAGER

Carrie will oversee the medical network support for Vikki is a High Performance Manager at SIS. Vikki GB NTA athletes: provides leadership and expertise to the GB National Tennis Academy. Vikki plays a key strategic role, • Work closely with the wider support team in an fostering a strong partnership between Tennis inter disciplinary way to support the need to Scotland and SIS. train and compete effectively • Focus on preventing illness and injury and Vikki champions the SIS approach to apply the delivering evidence-based medical care after important framework of: accurate diagnosis, careful clinical examination, experience and knowledge in order to maintain a • High Challenge • High Support healthy athlete. • High Integrity • Will look at travel implications, rest and recovery and promote clean sport Vikki drives support in an interdisciplinary way, working as a team in a programme which is • Oversee referrals through the medical insurance athlete-centred and coach-led. scheme Elsewhere Vikki supports other areas of the tennis Dr Carrie McCrea has been involved in High performance pathway in Scotland, as well as a Performance Sports Medicine for over fourteen number of other sports including athletics, netball, years, including roles with the Scottish Rugby Union, sailing and shooting. Scottish FA, Scottish Hockey, Scottish Swimming, Commonwealth Games Scotland and Team GB at Vikki retired from international hockey in 2016 having the European and Olympic Games. played more than 200 times for Scotland and 14

times for Great Britain. Vikki combines her full-time role with the SIS alongside being the current Scotland Carrie has special interests in child health, mental I think we are very lucky because health in sport and female athlete health. Carrie Women’s Team Assistant Coach. we get to use the sportscotland institute continues to work in the NHS as a musculoskeletal of sport, for me they are the best I have medicine physician within the Orthopaedic “ “ department. ever come across. We get to use the physios, the nutritionist, the physical trainers and that’s unbelievable. Jonny O’Mara, ATP top 50 doubles player

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 Juan Carlos Ferrero, 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 Michael Chang, 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 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

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

5 R RSON

Stirling is one of two National Academies at the heart of the BENEFITS OF GB NATIONAL “LTA’s Player Pathway. It provides a 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 QUALIT OF LIF provide more opportunities to young “ talent and make Britain one of the most respected nations in the world A W ROGRA WHICH INCLUDS 15 WS for tennis player development. OF COTITION Scott Lloyd, LTA CEO ROUNDD DLONT OF OUNG 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 1,300 10% 50% Level 6 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 activities including charity work, CCF and The Duke • A fitness suite (including spinning area) of Edinburgh’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

I trained on the courts at the Scottish SPORTS FACILITIES National Tennis Centre at the University of Stirling when I was growing up. “ “It’s recognised internationally for its The University of Stirling is the training base for some of the UK’s top Olympic and Paralympic athletes and is 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 with input from sportscotland Institute of Sport Ideal for a wide variety of sports, including The unique feature of sport at 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. “ PLAYERS’ LOUNGE medallists train and compete

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

1 GOOD NIGHT

. 7.5A RELAX MORNING

8. 8A SOCIAL LIGHT BREAKFAST

A DAY IN THE LIFE A OF A NATIONAL SCHOOL

7. ACADEMY HOMEWORK PLAYER

7 DINNER 11.A LIGHT LUNCH

LUNCH 12 NOON TENNIS

2 GYM

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. PSP player

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 GB NTA VISIT

To book a player visit to the GB National Tennis Academy between 26 April and 31 May please e-mail: [email protected]

PLAYER VISITS ______

GB National Tennis Academy will host individual player visits between 26 April and 31 May 2021. Player visits are designed 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.

PLAYER VISIT PLAN ______

Player visits will try to include and cover:

• Meet the GB National Tennis Academy staff team • Physical preparation • On court session(s) • Visit and tour Dollar Academy • Tour of University of Stirling Campus • Q&A with GB National Tennis Academy Head Coach, GB National Tennis Academy Staff, SIS practitioners and School Staff

SELECTION PROCESS ______

Player selection process is available HERE

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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