LTA Player Matrix Funding
The LTA is reviewing the support offered to the best prospects in British tennis through its Performance Pathway. This includes the Talent ID programme, the Performance Centre Network, and the Player Matrix Funding for all age groups.
Part of this review will see changes to the Player Matrix Funding system. For the funding year of 2015/2016, there will be no Player Matrix Funding in its current form.
The review of LTA Funding support is likely to take several months and will incorporate clarity on the structure of the High Performance Centres and Performance Centres and how they support players as well as the Talent ID programme. It is likely that Talent ID at the end of the winter season 2014/2015 will be aimed at profiling players for player development purposes rather than a method of distributing funding for 2015/2016.
What is the reason for this change?
After 7 years of Player Matrix Funding the LTA has reflected upon the success of British players at the top level of the junior game.
Despite notable highlights, the results at Grand Slam junior events, and at other tournaments at the highest international level, have been disappointing. This is a factor in the decision to change the strategy and end Matrix Funding in its current form. In the future, junior player funding will be focussed specifically on players showing the highest playing potential.
The current Matrix Funding structure has also placed too much emphasis on the results of younger players at a time when we recognise that game development should be the priority.
Does this affect matrix funding already communicated for this year?
No. There will be no change to the funding commitments already agreed for this year. The first instalment of Player Funding for this year has been released and the second instalment will be paid as previously agreed in April 2015. In September 2015 there will be changes to the Aegon FutureStars programme. The programme will remain in place, and details on the changes will be released nearer the time.
At this stage, we are unable to provide more information on how funding support for players and centres will be structured in the future. Further details will of course be published in due course.
Updated 21/11/2014