Overview

The revamped LTA junior county training programme was launched in September 2018 and since then the squads have enjoyed high intensity indoor training sessions each month delivered by 2 senior and experienced county coaches at either Taunton (8U, 9U & 10U) or Millfield School (12U, 14U). 

This group-based training for the most talented players in the county is designed to allow the players to maximise their potential and represent the county in competitions. 

For those with exceptional ability, there is also the possibility of progressing to regional and national level training. 

This programme is open to every player who meets the eligibility criteria (see below) and demonstrates the aptitude and ability to compete at the required standard for their age. 

Junior County Training Schedule

The schedule for the period Sep - Dec 2024  is published here 

Junior County Training Coaches

Below are the coaches responsible for delivering the training:

8U Boys & Girls
Tim Seymour 
Jon Rolnik 

Sophie Butland

9U Boys & Girls
Julie Sinkins 
Kerry Quirk

10U Boys & Girls
Kerry Quirk 
Sophie Butand

12U & 14U Boys & Girls 
Chris Chapman 
Mike Aust 

Meg Rundle

Thashania Nulliah

18U Boys
Jeremy Priddle

18U Girls
Natalie Ayton 

Somerset County Training Selection Policy

Players wishing to be considered for county training should speak in the first instance with their club coach who can advise on whether that player should be put forward for a trial.

1. Introduction

This policy explains the process and criteria used by the selection sub-committee in determining which players are worthy of participation in the junior county training programme.  Due to the limited number of players in each age group coupled with the requirement to ensure that the most talented players are invited to train, it is likely that the groups will change during the year therefore players should not assume that once selected they will remain in the squad indefinitely.  The letter of invitation makes clear that players are invited for the forthcoming term only.  Likewise those players not selected initially are encouraged to work hard and improve their rating/WTN as there are opportunities to be selected at a later date.

2. Selection Sub-Committee

The sub-committee is comprised of 2 senior coaches from within the county.  Its principal task is to review the current and aspirant players of each age group 3 times per year (Aug, Dec & Apr) to ensure that the best players are invited to train.  The sub-committee assesses each player based on the criteria in paragraph 3 and from feedback from the county coaches; their decision to select and deselect players is final.

3. Criteria

The following criteria are used to determine a player’s suitability to train:
    a. National Ranking
    b. LTA Rating/WTN
    c. Attendance and attitude to training
    d. Work ethic
    e. Performance at appropriate level tournaments during the year
    f. Prior commitment to the county
    g. Club coach feedback and recommendations
    h. Future potential

4. In addition, all players (current and aspiring) must enter the county championships in August unless unable to do so due to injury and have a BTM number.

Reviewed 1 Jan 24