Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence

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 2013: 

• Players must be a minimum of 5.2 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 2013

In discussion with your centre, there is also the option of undertaking an additional 16 hours learning per week outside the AASE programme and this is completed outside of the AASE Apprenticeship and around the training and competition programme.

How can I apply?

The information above outlines the criteria you will need to meet in order to apply. If you have met the criteria please fill out this form:

Advanced Apprenticeship Application Form 2013/14

Now submit this application along with your weekly training programme and tournament schedule to your chosen AASE accredited centre. The centre will then interview you for suitability on the AASE programme.

In the meantime if you need further information parents/players should contact their chosen AASE accredited centre to find out specific details about the programme and attend a parents evening at the centre.