British Tennis - Lawn Tennis Association

What is AASE?

AASE is delivered through a network of LTA accredited High Performance Centre (HPC’s). 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

• 6.1 rating or above
• Training a minimum of 16 hours per week (including physical conditioning and matches) with a further additional commitment to tennis related activity such as planning, file work, traveling, hitting with HPC juniors, etc
• 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 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)

Education

Completed GCSE’s in Maths and English summer 2012

In discussion with your HPC, 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.

Can I apply?

The information above outlines the criteria you will need to meet in order to apply. An application form for 2012/13 will be available in May 2012 and players must almost submit their weekly training plan and tournament schedule.