AMESBURY School at Hindhead recently welcomed former British Wimbledon quarter finalist Mark Cox to see the school's unique tennis programme in action.

The school established a tennis programme eight years ago and all pupils are taught by tennis professionals.

A key element of the programme involves identifying young talent, and providing intensive year round coaching.  So far, it has produced three county players and one nationally ranked player.

Mark Cox, who is director of the Lawn Tennis Association's elite "National Futures Programme", said: "One of the major issues in British tennis is creating 'performance environments' for enough players to stand any chance of competing at world-class level.

Amesbury's emphasis on good coaching across the entire pupil body and a flexible attitude towards training, goes a considerable way to creating the right focus for aspiring young tennis players."

Pupil Daniel Cochrane, who is ranked in the country within his age group and is a member of the LTA's elite National Futures programme, said: "Andy (Warry) has been my coach since I was three and its really helpful to work with someone whom I trust, someone who understands me.

"It's a real advantage to have my technical sessions during the school day rather than in the evening when I'm tired

"I also play a lot of rugby, soccer, and cricket at school and this means I don't get bored just playing tennis, and I learn new skills.  I'm not as good at those other sports and so that's another opportunity to learn more about myself, and that helps my tennis."

 Haslemere Herald 20 June 2003