A rising young tennis star from Uppingham has been signed up as part of a programme to support the game’s most promising players.
Jobim Ffrench, aged 10, has been included on the Lawn Tennis Association’s AEGON FutureStars programme, which recognises and supports some of the best juniors in the country.
The emerging young star earned his place on the programme following a successful year on court - and through the National LTA Talent ID system - and will now receive added support from the LTA.
This will mark Jobim’s third year as an AEGON Future Stars player.
Jobim has recently spent time at the LTA’s National training camp in Roehampton for the UK’s top seven and has a busy season of competition ahead.
Most recently, he has secured a highly coveted scholarship to attend the prestigious Sanchez-Casals Tennis Academy in Spain from September 2014 - via support from an International Foundation.
The award will cover two years of study at the academy, which has trained many top tennis players including Andy Murray.
In order to secure his place at the school, Jobim had to travel to Barcelona and undertake additional trials with head coach and former top 50 player, Angel Giminez.
His mother, Lesley Ffrench, said: “We are really proud of Jobim and all that he has achieved.
“We now only have the issue of accommodation costs in Barcelona to solve as Jobim is too young to stay on the school campus. Should there be any local businesses interested in sponsoring this aspect of Jobim’s needs, we would be like to hear from them on 0770 104 3688”.