Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE)

What is AASE?

AASE is for players aged 16 to 18 who are seeking a future career in tennis. It combines education, training and gaining coaching and tennis qualifications.

It gives you the chance to join a squad of players at your local High Performance Center (HPC) and benefit from 10 hours of free high quality training per week, while continuing your education.

The AASE scheme offers an extensive enrichment programme for players by offering access to key speakers, educational resources, day tournament visits and providing access to coaching qualifications.

Niall Angus a player at Win Tennis, Bisham Abbey, says of the scheme:

"The AASE programme is really useful for your own personal development as well as your tennis. It helps you highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your own game and work towards specific goals. The studying aspect is good because it gives you back up qualifications like Level 1 and 2 coaching certificates."

How does it work?

The scheme comprises three elements,

Level 3 NVQ in Achieving Excellence in tennis, made up of eight units covering technical, tactical and mental skills and physical conditioning, units also cover career, communication, lifestyle plus health and safety.
Technical Certificate which is spread over two years of studying and could include: AS/A2 Level, AVCE, BTEC National Diploma.
Opportunities for additional LTA coaching qualifications will be provided as part of the programme and automatically count towards your technical certificate.
Key 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).

Can I apply?

The information below outlines the criteria you will need in order to apply:

Playing ability

6.1 rating or above
Training a minimum of 16 hours per week
(including physical conditioning and matches)
Playing a minimum 40 matches per year

Educational criteria

Completed GCSE’s summer 2009
Undertaking a minimum of 2 A levels/B-Tec National or equivalent as of September 2009
Commitment to taking coaching qualifications where necessary to count towards your technical certificate.