The LTA’s talent identification system scopes players from 6yrs to 12yrs starting with mini tennis red ball (8&Under) through to yellow ball for players over 10. County Talent Id days showcase these players and allow selection through to Regional Talent Days which bring together the area's most talented players.
Debbie Hale, the LTA Talent Performance Co-ordinator for Devon and Corwnall is very happy with the success and progression of the players. "We sent 10 players from Devon & Cornwall this season to the Regional Talent Id day with good potential for them to improve their scores. It’s a massive step towards putting Devon and Cornwall on the map for tennis."
In the red ball section, Matthew Rutter and Daniel Mountford from Exeter Tennis Centre attended with coach Charlotte Wallace along with Tarka's Louis Davey (who trains at Tarka but lives in Bude).
In orange ball, Flybe Mini Masters 3 times champion, Taylor Ingham Hill of Teignmouth and Exeter had the great opportunity to see how he faired against others within the region. He was joined by Teignmouth’s Emily Syms, Exmouth's Beth Cooper and Torquay's Roo Woodleigh-Smith.
Debbie whose role is to visit players, coaches and clubs, to identify talent, support and ensure that players stay on the right path to maximise potential was very pleased with the way the day went.
"Some players were returning to regional talent id but many were new to the system, so a lot of preparation on and off court was done to be ready for the day’s activities which consisted of physical drills, followed by tennis specific drills and matchplay. The players performed really well."
"Our players have all competed in the Flybe Mini Masters and the level of competition at these flybe events is naturally improving the standard and making a difference to these players and thus giving them an opportunity of attending regional talent id."
The Flybe Mini Tennis circuits are open to all players up to the age of 10, whether new to the game or old hands. Competitions take place at tennis clubs and centres throughout the county. More information can be found here and competition listings are avilable here.