What is AASE?
AASE is delivered through a network of LTA accredited High Performance Centre (HPC’s) and TF Performance Universities. The programme is aimed at players aged between 16 to 18 years old and provides a clear professional pathway for young players to become professional players, coaches and other tennis professionals, whilst gaining qualifications.
The AASE programme offers an extensive programme for players by offering access to high quality training, key speakers, educational resources, day tournament visits and the possibility of high quality progression routes to full time tennis, full time coaching or a University scholarship either at home or abroad.
How does it work?
The scheme comprises the following elements:
1. Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Sports Performance made up of nine units covering technical; tactical; mental skills; physical conditioning; nutrition; career, planning; communication skills; lifestyle management; and health and safety.
2. Level 3 Certificate in Achieving Excellence in tennis, made up of nine units covering technical; tactical; mental skills; physical conditioning; nutrition; career, planning; communication skills; lifestyle management; and health and safety.
3. Functional Skills in Application of Number and Communication (Please note that if you have achieved GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths, you will be exempt from this component).
It should be noted that AASE is for players who are committed to tennis training and competition. AASE is not for players who do not have tennis at the centre of their plans.
Playing ability and criteria for September 2014:
Players on AASE should be committed to tennis as a priority and aiming to continue their tennis commitment after the programme.
- Players must be a minimum of 5.1 rating
- Players on AASE are expected to compete at National/International level on a regular basis. This means demonstrating a full tournament programme including a minimum of 10 identified international/national events (a year) including Aegon British Tour; ITF Junior Events, ITF Pro-series, Aegon County Cup, National Grade 1 and 2 events (additional Aegon Team Tennis events). Players must compete in a minimum of 60 matches per year.
- Players must train for a minimum of 16 hours per week (including physical conditioning and matches) with a further commitment to tennis related activity such as planning, file work, travelling, hitting with HPC juniors (total 30 hours per week).
Please note the rating is only one of the acceptance criteria and on its own does not guarantee entry to the programme. In addition, players have to be accepted by their centre and fully demonstrate they meet all of the above criteria to join AASE.
Education
Completed GCSE’s in Maths and English summer 2014
Players must have completed GCSEs in Maths and English in summer 2014. In discussion with your centre, players are able to undertake a maximum of 3 A levels outside the AASE programme and this is completed outside of the AASE Apprenticeship and around the training and competition programme.
How can I apply?
Please download the application form for 2014/15. Players will need to submit a weekly training programme, video and summer 2014 tournament schedule with the application form. Please note tournaments and results will also be screened as part of the application process.
Applications are submitted directly to centres who will interview applicants.