The Tennis Squad Academy is our pathway for young players who love tennis, train regularly, and compete on a regular basis. 

After several successful years as an LTA and Tennis Wales 10U Performance Centre, we’re proud to launch this new independent pathway for players at our member clubs,  supporting players at all stages of their journey from 10U age-groups to full-ball tennis. 

Our Mission

To help players stay in the game for life, build a deep passion for tennis, and reach their potential - whether in competition, university tennis, club teams, or coaching.

Our Philosophy

We believe players are children first, athletes second.
Our programmes develop both personal and athletic growth, nurturing:

• Resilience and teamwork
• A lifelong love for tennis
• Tactical, technical, and mental skills
• Positive character and sportsmanship

Academy Stages

Each stage of the pathway has a number of age-approprate requirements, please Contact Us if you would like more information. 

5–8: Fundamentals

Here we instill a love of the game and foster an understanding of life outside the club. Players train more than once a week and are introduced to informal match play with an overall emphasis on enjoyment, engagement, and building a strong foundation for future development.

8–10: Window of Opportunity

We maximise development during the critical early years by having players engage in two performance coaching sessions per week supplemented by private coaching or practice. Players compete regularly in LTA competitions at a minimum Grade 5 level, and focus on establishing strong training habits, competitive experience, and early tactical understanding.

11–14: Continuation & Progression

This stage is targeted at players who have not entered the regional or national training pathways, and who will continue their commitment to training and competition, with focus areas including tactical acumen, resilience, commitment to the game, and the integration of doubles play. Players are prepared for adult club team tennis while maintaining engagement and progression in the junior pathway.

15–18: Adult-status

This stage is focused primarily on doubles play to support integration and performance in adult club teams, while continued development ensures players maintain lifelong engagement with tennis with a view to competing at university, joining the coaching pathway, or other long-term participation.

Our Club Network

The academy operates at three hub clubs (Windsor LTC Penarth, Radyr LTC, and Llantrisant LTC) and is supported by our wider network of partner clubs that have introduced tennis to many county-level players. The provision available at each club differs and some players access a combination of venues to build a suitable programme.  

Meet the Team

• Rob Gaunt – Tennis Squad 10U Academy Head Coach (& Penarth Windsor 14U Lead)
• Ellie Lewis – Director of Tennis Squad. 
• Supported by Level 3 & 4 coaches with strong County-level experience.

Independent & Community-Focused

We’re proudly self-funded, allowing us to tailor programmes around long-term player development, wellbeing, and sustainable growth.

Sponsorship & Support

We welcome local business sponsors to help fund:

• Indoor training and travel support
• Coaching at competitions
• Team kit and branding

In return, sponsors gain exposure across county and national tennis communities.

📧 academy@tennissquad.net

Join us in shaping the future, one player at a time.