Vida Tennis has created the reputation of producing high quality junior players. Our Player Development Program enables junior players to receive the training and attention they need right through their development years and into senior ranks. The program is aimed to help subsidize some of the costs associated with elite tennis while placing the athlete in a nurturing environment to develop themselves and their game. In tennis there is an amazing drop off rate from those talented juniors to the professional ranks. Why? There are a number of reasons but two of the most common are the environment in which they are placed and financial difficulties.
The first reason is where the program will help them. Our program is currently up and running and is producing results, with several of our players in the top echelon of junior ranking in Australia. The environment that Vida Tennis has created is all about treating the individual in a holistic manner, to maximize the chances of them achieving their goals. It’s not just about hitting tennis balls. The little things make all the difference, mental and physical development, growth rates, balancing education, parental involvement, managing expectations and above all remembering that they are still growing into a young adult. This is a time consuming project not only for the player and their families, but for the coaching staff here at Vida Tennis.
The second reason for players getting lost in the transition period between junior and professional tennis is often financial. With tennis being an international sport, travel is a necessity. It is the early years of travel which are so important in setting good habits for the aspiring player, thus this is a time they need support. Often a 16 or 17 year old player will get thrown in the deep end and sent out to experience the next level of tournaments on their own. Even domestically this can be daunting. Before they even get to hit a ball they must overcome many things, travel, accommodation, food, sleep patterns, practice partners and many more factors that they are not used to organizing on their own. Once this is out of the way they are then expected to get on the court and perform at their peak.
International travel throws in a few more hurdles, language, jet lag, food and culture. As you can imagine, having a coach or a support structure in place to help and guide them can make all the difference in these vital transition years. Financial pressure affects almost all aspiring tennis players and their families. It is our goal to take some of the pressure away from them with our Vida Tennis Development Program. Then all they have to do is “play.”
You often hear stories of the “could have been a champion.” Our goal is to give the talented a chance to know what could have been, no excuses. At the end of their career, no regrets, they had every opportunity and gave it their best.
“Vida Tennis is creating life opportunities”
CURRENT SPONSORS ARE LISTED ON THE LEFT
If there are any companies who wish to get involved in the Player Development Program please contact Vida at info@vidatennis.com.au
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