To ensure you get back on court once school starts the U14 pre season is for school team/Phoenix Squad level players. 3 weeks August 19th - September 2nd, before the Season 1 Phoenix Squads begin. Click here for more information and to register.
As you see we have broken the year into the 4 seasons, and shown the training breakdown into a periodised year. This gives more clarity on what weighting of the 4 key training elements we will be focusing on depending on whether we are in-season, transition/preparatory, preparatory or preparatory/pre- season. We have an overall pathway that also helps guide the focus of training based on Long Term Athlete Development Concept, and ITF guidelines. Please click here to read more.
We have also added an additional coach to the team training to ensure we are able to focus more on the individual players needs.
We have also added a new session for Tennis Specific Strength and Conditioning Fitness. We realise the importance of preparing the students physically not just for their fitness levels and movement on court but also to prevent injuries. This session is free to all school team players in season and those doing the Phoenix Squads.
We have therefore offered 10% off Phoenix Squad if you sign up for 2 sessions per week, which will include the fitness session as part of the package. We are looking to develop our players with a year long comprehensive programme. Also if there are external competitions they will be offered to school team players in season or if its during Phoenix Squads seasons they will be offered to Phoenix Squad players. In addition we have included Holiday Training specifically for our U14 and U19 School team/Phoenix Squad players as we are trying to ensure our players get every opportunity to continue to train ad we realise 15 weeks of school holidays
Training times for school teams have included a later time slot as we found that the 3pm-4.25 meant the children had less time on court (often 6-mins by the time students arrived then had to leave for the bus). Also its that little bit cooler at 4.30pm. Matches will still be on these days, and there will be no change to that format.
We aim to provide written feedback to school team players every 1-2 seasons depending on the season. We will make sure this is also shared with parents. Parents are welcome to contact us direct for feedback.
The Phoenix Squad which runs from Season 1-2, provides an extensive programme for our school team players to train with their peers and the UWCSEA Dover Coaching team all year round. Tennis is predominantly an individual sport. But the team environment we see with our School teams is strong. Everyone benefits from training together, and pushing each other to work hard and improve whilst being part of a team. This is culminated when in season they then compete together. We want to provide this environment year long, giving the coaching team a great platform to really work hard on developing the players games out of season as well as in season providing continuity all year.
You do not need to be in the Phoenix Club to be selected for the school team, as there are trials for the teams and it is based on results. Please click here for the selection policy. You must attend trials as it is very competitive, and at some instances we may need to make cuts. However there are other options if you do not make the school team. Please click here for school team information and Phoenix squad click here.