A group of 12 young players from Tennis Lancashire travelled to Jerez in southern Spain last week for a European clay court training camp designed to broaden their development both on and off the court.

The squad, made up of players in the 11–14 age groups, was led by County Coach Danielle Gallagher, who described the trip as a valuable opportunity for the athletes to experience a different style of coaching and competition.

Based at La Nazaret Tennis Club, the players spent four days training on clay under the supervision of academy coach Bruno. The carefully planned programme introduced the Lancashire group to Spanish coaching methods, including technical drills delivered “the Spanish way,” strength and conditioning sessions, and integrated training alongside local academy juniors.

The tour concluded with a matchplay event that saw the Lancashire team take on Spanish opposition, providing a competitive test in unfamiliar conditions. Playing on clay — a surface less commonly used in the UK — challenged the players to adapt their movement, tactics and point construction.

Beyond tennis, the trip also encouraged personal growth. With players travelling without their parents, they were required to take responsibility for their daily routines, including preparing their kit and being ready on time for training sessions. On court, coaches emphasised the importance of self-management and accountability.

Gallagher was supported throughout the visit by coaches Ben Obong and Sarah Hillier. The trip was a great success, offering the young athletes not only high-quality training but what organisers described as “an experience of a lifetime.”