We now have a tiered network of independently run Performance Centres:
These clubs form the backbone of the approach to high performance tennis and support the majority of performance players in GB. The independent performance club infrastructure provides a route for attracting the best coaches to the best facilities and programmes. The aims of the programme are to
In the years prior to the LTA Blueprint in 2006, the LTA ran various different programmes for training performance players. These included small networks of LTA-run Academies (between 2 and 8 centres at any one time), moderate funding grants to smaller clubs and a programme aimed for the top players (16 plus) based out of Queens Club.
The Blueprint identified the need to have much more access to performance training nationwide and to deliver a network of independently run performance clubs. In response to this, between 2006 and 2012 a network of High Performance and Satellite Centres were established with 120 Satellite Clubs, 15 High Performance Centres and 4 International High Performance Centres. During the same time the National Tennis Centre (NTC) was opened to provide enhanced programmes for our top Performance Players, amongst other objectives.
Funding for the expanded network of centres was enhanced. It was made up of two elements: Programme funding and Player Matrix funding. The Programme funding was determined largely subjectively with some variation depending upon the numbers of ranked players in each programme; the Matrix funding was for offsetting the individual training costs of the player concerned. The investment in Programme Funding has been circa £3.2m per annum with an additional £1m per annum in Matrix Funding for the programmes of our best players.
In 2010 it was announced to the Performance Centre Network that there would be a reapplication process for all centres with new contracts being offered from October 2012.
Key objectives to achieve from a renewal process were:
A total of 175 centres applied to be part of the new network and through a comprehensive decision making process an improved network of centres has evolved. There is now a dedicated team of three people working alongside the Talent Team and Coach Support team to provide support to this network of centres.
View a list of the current network of Performance Centres
See how we support the performance coaches and players across the country.
Please contact your local member of our Talent Team, their details are here
Performance Centre Network Have a look at the FAQs
How is the network structured? Read more about the aims and definitions of the network
The application process for the 2012-2017 Performance Centre Network took place over a period of 18 months. All centres had to meet the Minimum Criteria for application which are below.
Decisions on the centres were then made based on these criteria, the level and numbers of players on the programme, and the local expertise of the LTA's Performance team. Within the new structure there is the opportunity for centres to move up and down to different levels of support.
Unfortunately there will not be an opportunity for Clubmark centres to apply to the network until April 2014 at the earliest. If you are a centre that is interested in developing your performance programme then please contact your local TPC or TPM. Their contact details are above.