Let’s Make LTA Junior County Cup Better: Survey Results, LTA Meeting and Next Steps
Back in 2023, changes were made to LTA County Cup 11U-14U that undoubtedly had good intentions but have resulted in a competition that I just don’t think is as good as it used to be.
I set out to find out if County coaches and parents of players think the same way as I do or if they believe the changes are a good thing. Here are the results…
Back in 2023, changes were made to LTA County Cup 11U-14U that undoubtedly had good intentions but have resulted - I think - in a competition that just isn’t quite as good as it used to. The objectives behind the changes were worthy but as I hope my original blog post on LTA County Cup 11U-14U shows the actions taken are not resulting in the objective being met.
I set out to find out if County coaches and parents of players think the same way as I do or if they believe the changes are a good thing. To do this I put a survey live with some questions and a section where people could add their thoughts and ideas. I’m delighted to be able to share the survey results with you alongside news of my meeting with a member of the LTA competitions team and what the next steps are. A massive thanks to each and every person who took the time to share thoughts and ideas.
Suffice to say, I see this as the beginning of a campaign for change not the end of one!
Now for the results…please do watch the video below for the full story…but here’s one key result as a taster.
98.6% of respondents do not believe it’s fair that the majority of Counties have no chance of qualifying for the Finals even if they win their group.
Please do play the YouTube video above for the full story!
Alternatively, please do play here.
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY (AUDIO & VIDEO)
Here’s a quote I want to end this blog post on. It’s a quote from a player - given via his folks - about the changes…I think this sort of sums up the position.
What one LTA County Cup player had to say about the changes.
The Racket by Conor Niland Book Review: A Smashing Read for Tennis Fans
Do you ever read a book and love it so much that you go round telling people about it? Like everyone you meet. That’s exactly what happened with myself and Conor Niland’s book The Racket! From his experience as a junior on the tournament circuit (one I know a lot of tennis parents will recognise) to his days on a tennis scholarship in the US to the rollercoaster ride that is the Pro Tour, Conor’s book is a compelling read. If you are anything like me, you’ll finish it in a couple of sittings…
Tennis fan? Tennis player? Tennis parent? Tennis coach? I think you’ll love this book and devour it in one or two sittings!
Do you ever read a book and love it so much that you go round telling people about it? Like everyone you meet. That’s exactly what happened with myself and Conor Niland’s book The Racket! From his experience as a junior on the tournament circuit (one I know a lot of tennis parents will recognise) to his days on a tennis scholarship in the US to the rollercoaster ride that is the Pro Tour, Conor’s book is a compelling read. If you are anything like me, you’ll finish it in a couple of sittings.
BUY THE RACKET BY CONOR NILAND HERE
This is the first book review I’ve done on My Tennis Journey - and I hope it will be the first of many. The book was recommended to me by a good tennis parent friend called Christian - hello and thank you Christian! Doing the review was inspired by my friends at Ashby Castle Tennis Club who when I went on about the book said we should start a Book Club. This podcast episode is dedicated to my friends at Ashby Castle and all the other friends I have made on the tournament circuit which Conor brings to life so eloquently in the book.
If you’re a player, coach or tennis fan I think you’ll devour this book. It’s no surprise to me that The Racket has won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year for 2024. It would be a perfect Xmas present for you to give or receive!
The podcast episode is a short one - it gives you six reasons why I think you’ll love the book. Enjoy.
LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: THE RACKET BOOK REVIEW
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: THE RACKET BOOK REVIEW
LISTEN ON AMAZON: THE RACKET BOOK REVIEW
If you like what you hear, do BUY THE RACKET BY CONOR NILAND HERE
Just one of the many quotes from The Racket by Conor Niland that has stayed with me.
Todd Larkham: Nick Kyrgios’s Ex-Coach Has AMAZING Guidance For Parents and Coaches
You might have heard of tennis coach Todd Larkham for a host of reasons. For example, it was Todd who spotted a young Nick Kyrgios and coached him through to the Pro Tour and beyond. Or maybe you know him through the ace Coachlife website.
After listening to this podcast, though, I believe you’ll know Todd for giving some of the BESTEST guidance EVER for parents and coaches of aspiring junior tennis players.
As you'll hear, Todd Larkham has fantastic guidance for parents and coaches.
You might have heard of tennis coach Todd Larkham for a host of reasons.
It was Todd who spotted a young Nick Kyrgios and coached him through to the Pro Tour and beyond. It’s brilliant to hear about that journey on this episode. You may know Todd was some player reaching no.136 in the World and that he played at each and every Grand Slams. Or have you seen Todd is one of the Coaches who feature on the ace Coachlife website which brings hundreds of video lessons from the Junior Coaches of some of tennis’s greatest players? More on Coachlife below.
After listening to this podcast, though, I believe you’ll know Todd for giving some of the BESTEST guidance EVER for parents and coaches of aspiring junior tennis players. That’s not a throw away line. I mean it. Todd speaks with experience and from the heart. Whether you are a parent or coach, I 110% believe Todd can help you. Let him just do that by listening in on the platforms below…
LISTEN TO TODD LARKHAM ON APPLE PODCASTS
LISTEN TO TODD LARKHAM ON SPOTIFY
LISTEN TO TODD LARKHAM ON AMAZON
Todd has amazing advice for parents and coaches.
As I mentioned above, Todd is one of the coaches on the ace new Coachlife tennis coaching site. The site brings video lessons from the childhood coaches of Swiatek, Gauff, Fritz, Tiafoe and Jack Draper. The guidance dispensed is incredibly useful for parents and coaches. I really recommend you check it out and not just because there is a load more top guidance from Todd! Visit the Coachlife site here for your free 7 day trial.
A big thanks to Peter Clarke who set up the Coachlife website and helped put me in touch with Todd.
When it comes to tennis parenting, Todd Larkham speaks sooooo much sense!
Rob Salmon: Let’s Make LTA Junior County Cup Even Better
I think Junior County Cup (focusing in on 11U, 12U and 14U) can be improved as a result of a couple of flaws - and I’d love to know if you agree and what improvements you’d make to LTA Junior County Cup. For avoidance of doubt, this is research I’m undertaking. It’s not affiliated to the LTA although I will look to share the findings with the relevant parties at the LTA.
PLS READ & THEN WHETHER YOU AGREE WITH ME OR NOT COMPLETE THIS SURVEY & HAVE YOUR SAY!
Just to be clear, County Cup’s one of my favourite things in the whole wide world. I want to start with this as everything you are going to read comes from a starting point of love and wanting to make something that is great even better! And you see, I do think Junior County Cup (focusing in on 11U, 12U and 14U) can be improved as a result of a couple of flaws - and I’d love to know if you agree and what improvements you’d make to LTA Junior County Cup. For avoidance of doubt, this is research I’m undertaking. It’s not affiliated to the LTA although I will look to share the findings with the relevant parties at the LTA.
If you prefer audio to reading the article below, do listen to the short podcast I’ve done below.
Here’s a quick reminder of where we currently are and what I understand the LTA were trying to achieve by the changes they made to Junior County Cup starting in 2023. As in most things, I think it is best to start with objectives. So here’s my perception of what the LTA were trying to achieve…
Have competitive play and stop one sided matches
Reduce travel for teams
To try and achieve these objectives for 11U, 12U and 14U County Cup, the LTA:
Gave top 6 counties (separately for girls and boys based on ranking of top four players) direct access to the Final. No qualifying required for these Counties!
Placed next 12 top ranked LTA Counties in 2 groups who compete to win the Group and qualify for the Final. The two winners make up places 7 and 8 at the Finals.
Created a load of Area League divisons of 4-6 Counties based as far as possible geographically close to each other. The winners of these groups cannot progress to the Finals. This is where the majority of Counties - around 24 - are placed.
I’ve been close to County Cup - over the past few years as a coach and as a parent. I’ve captained County Cup Team teams. Family members have competed at 11U, 12U, 14U, 18U and Men’s in 2024 alone. As I mentioned above I love County Cup! However, I strongly believe that the objectives the LTA have tried to achieve have NOT been achieved through the changes made. I put the evidence below. I’d then love to hear WHAT YOU THINK.
COMPETITIVE PLAY / STOP ONE SIDED MATCHES
Automatic Qualification: The automatic qualification system is based on the cumulative total of single points for the top four ranked players around 4 months before the Finals event. The flaw here is that the top ranked players with big points who achieve their teams automatic qualification do not necessarily play. Many do - don’t get me wrong - but a County can have one or two very highly ranked players who don’t play and this can leave their team mates potentially with a challenge in the Final. The data shows this.
Here’s one example - there are more if you check the results out.
One County ranked second on rankings going into the Finals had two top ranked players not compete. They finished the event in 8th position out of 8 teams. They lost 4 matches out of 4. They won 4 rubbers and lost 20. They lost the 7th/8th play off 6-0.
This isn’t the players fault (either those who can’t play or who do play) in any way shape or form or the Counties fault. Players have very legitiamate reasons why they can’t play from injury to international events. It is a flaw in the system.
Area Leagues: The thing is, the Area Leagues also don’t seem to have stopped one sided matches. I was looking at the results of one County from 12U County Cup area division. Across the boys and the girls, they won 35 rubbers and lost 5. An 88% win rate is in my mind one sided. If you look through the results you’ll see this is the case with other Counties too both in terms of winning a very high percentage or losing a very high percentage. The Area Leagues are not always competitive either. Again the objective has failed. And would the strongest teams in the Area Leagues be able to compete with teams who received Automatic Qualification who were missing their strong player(s)? My hunch is they may. The point is we will never know.
Personally, I’d like every team to have the opportunity to qualify. Otherwise I don’t see it as a Cup. Please do FILL IN THE SURVEY BELOW to let me know if you agree!
REDUCE TRAVEL FOR TEAMS
But what about the second objective of reducing travel for teams where possible?
I think the evidence suggests the current approach hasn’t really worked!
Take these journeys - all from the 12U ‘area’ leagues…
Nottinghamshire to Northumberland
South of Scotland to Derbyshire
Hertfordshire to Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire to Shropshire
Oxfordshire to Suffolk
Cheshire to South of Scotland
Cumbria to Derbyshire etc etc
There are of course also lots of examples of massive journeys from the groups you CAN qualify from as they could be from anywhere in the UK. Essex to Lancashire anyone?! East of Scotland to Lincolnshire?!
CONCLUSION
The approach to automatic qualification for six Counties has a fundamental flaw - the players who achieve the automatic qualification may not play. And Area Leagues aren’t always that competitive - sometimes they are very one sided. I’d love every County to have a chance to qualify for the Finals.
Add in the fact that there are still lots of long journeys going on - in my book this is all part of the adventure - and I think the two objectives outlined above are not being met.
PLEASE DON’T GET ME WRONG…
Please please don’t get me wrong. County Cup remains an amazing event. And trying something is not a bad idea at all. But you also need to learn from experiments.
As a family we still love County Cup. We go and watch the adult event every year and it has been amazing to see the children get to play for their County. What an honour. They might just love it a bit more if they had something to play for. I honestly believe their teams - and lots of other Counties - could be competitive against the Counties who go automatically through if their highly ranked players don’t play. And they don’t always play. The memories made by players would be even more amazing, their love for the game even greater, if they had the chance to qualify for Finals. What a weekend that would be!
SO WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
I’ve got some ideas, but I’d LOVE to hear yours and then I’ll do a follow up article and podcast containing lots of the ideas and share in the most constructive way possible with the LTA. I may even put a slide show presentation together and try and meet the team!
HOW CAN YOU HELP? COMPLETE THIS SURVEY!
Please please pretty please complete the survey below - whether you agree with the points I’ve made or have a totally different view I’d love to hear from you - together we can come up with ideas to make 11U, 12U and 14U LTA County Cup better! All survey responses will REMAIN COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU FILL IN EMAIL - IT’S THE ONLY REQUIRED FIELD!
Wayne Goldsmith: Compelling Guidance Coaches and Parents Should NEVER Forget
Sporting parents, coaches and players - today you’re in for a treat! Wayne Goldsmith is an international coaching expert from Australia who has influenced the thinking and teaching of some of the world’s leading athletes, coaching and teams. And his guidance for sporting parents is utterly compelling! As you’ll hear, Wayne gets it...
Sporting parents, coaches and players - today you’re in for a treat! Wayne Goldsmith is an international coaching expert from Australia who has influenced the thinking and teaching of some of the world’s leading athletes, coaching and teams. But if I’m honest that’s not why I was so excited about speaking to Wayne.
The reason I was buzzing to chat with Wayne is because he is my no.1 go to source for wisdom on navigating the challenges of being a sporting parent and a coach too. As you’ll hear, Wayne gets it. I know at times the journey of a sporting parent can be stressful and downright hard. From a coach perspective, it’s sometimes difficult to know what is important and what isn’t.
The approach which Wayne puts forward in his utterly compelling Aussie fashion has helped me as a parent and as a coach and I believe it can help you too. Indeed, I believe you’ll never forget some of his guidance. Enjoy…
Just to give you an idea of Wayne’s compelling approach, here are a handful of the many many amazing quotes in this episode:
‘The things that will convert the talent in to the realisation of potential are for the most part things that are taught and developed and grown by the parents’
‘If I grabbed the top ten coaches in any sport anywhere in the world and said write down a list of the qualities that underpin the success of professional athletes…commitment, dedication, passion, drive, resilience, determination and courage’
‘The way that kids want to receive information and the way they look to us for coaching and leadership and guidance is very different. And the way they don’t want it is to be lectured at, they don’t want the tell and yell from the end of the pool. They don’t want the stand and deliver from the end of the court. They don’t want the punishment for doing the wrong thing. Those days are so over.’
‘My belief is that one of the things we’ve got badly wrong is the performance pathway’
‘I say to coaches, change one word in your coaching language from ‘I coach players’ to ‘I coach with them’
‘The more independent they feel, the more ownership and responsibility they feel for their own destiny, the more likely it is that they convert their talent into something remarkable’
‘Even though I work a lot with professional teams, the most common word that I hear in professional teams is ‘LOVE’…I love this game…They don’t survive long enough…unless they love it’
‘The primary goal of a coach is to make them come back next week’
‘You can have a World Class tennis academy, great strength training, wonderful recovery systems, brilliant gym - all that stuff. The kid hates the sport and stops coming. None of it is worth anything without a love of what they do, so they do what they love.’
‘You’ve popped up and it’s 20 years from now and walking down the street in the opposite direction is your child…What do you want to see? Happy, healthy, smiling. Nobody says grand slam medal…no one say have they got out of a Ferrari…if you strip it all away, you want them to be happy.’
‘What the parents have got to realise is that at (aged) 10 and 11 they can get away with pushing the kids to do twenty hours of training a week. Maybe even 12 or 13. Once they get to 14 or 15 and the kids go ‘I can tell Mum and Dad to shove it’ then most of the time they’ll say ‘shove it’ unless it’s what they love doing in which case they’ll say ‘Mum and Dad will you pay my tennis fees?' It’s such a basic basic concept but it’s really important for every parent to get their head around.’
Fabio Molle: Bringing Functional Tennis To Life
You know in life there are some people who are amazing at making things happen. Who are driven to get things done. And when it comes to tennis I think Fabio Molle - the man behind Functional Tennis - is absolutely one of them.
I loved chatting to Fabio, hearing about his journey, his tips for tennis parents and just how he makes so much happen on Functional Tennis. Enjoy…
You know in life there are some people who are amazing at making things happen. Who are driven to get things done. And when it comes to tennis I think Fabio Molle is absolutely one of them.
Fabio runs a successful tennis e-commerce business called Functional Tennis. He came up with an idea for a brilliant tennis product called The Saber which he took from concept to manufacture. A process I loved talking to him about on this episode.
He’s a very successful tennis podcaster - having recorded over 200 episodes of The Functional Tennis podcast - often on a weekly basis. He’s interviewed big stars and he’s also interviewed guests who can give a tremendous insight into the tennis parenting journey.
LISTEN TO FABIO MOLLE ON APPLE PODCASTS
LISTEN TO FABIO MOLLE ON SPOTIFY
LISTEN TO FABIO MOLLE ON AMAZON
And Fabio is a prolific social media publisher - indeed his Instagram has over 975k followers - which is testament to the ongoing stream of brilliant content which he publishes.
I loved chatting to Fabio, hearing about his journey, his tips for tennis parents and just how he makes so much happen on Functional Tennis. Enjoy…
Listen to the story of Fabio Molle and Functional Tennis on My Tennis Journey
To find out about the Saber, the Functional Tennis social channels and all the amazing things Fabio has going on please head to the Functional Tennis website.
Marleyna Trifunovic: Amazing American University Adventures
Amazing adventures can be had by tennis players at American Universities! However, if you’re going to make it a great adventure rather than an OK or not so good adventure you’ve got to plan and prepare effectively. And that is where this episode comes in! Today’s guest, Marleyna Trifunovic, is in a unique position to tell you all about the US uni experience as she has just returned from three years at Wilmington University in Delaware…
Amazing adventures can be had by tennis players at American Universities! However, if you’re going to make it a great adventure rather than an OK or not so good adventure you’ve got to plan and prepare effectively. And that is where this episode comes in! Today’s guest, Marleyna Trifunovic, is in a unique position to tell you all about the US uni experience as she has just returned from three years at Wilmington University in Delaware. Marley’s story and guidance can, I think, give players and / or parents the info they need to know if a US tennis scholarship is right for them, understand what to watch out for and know what you need to do to make it happen. Let the adventures begin…
LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY
LISTEN ON AMAZON
If you enjoy please do take a minute to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you keep up to date with new episodes!
Rob Salmon: Dear Tennis, please can we talk about Pickleball?
This is episode 91 of My Tennis Journey. As you’ll probably know, the vast majority of the episodes have been dedicated to the sport I’ve loved since I first picked up a racket in Skelton in Cumbria aged 9 or 10.
But dear, lovely tennis - I’ve got a confession to make. Whilst as Whitney sang I will always love you - I’ve also fallen for another sport.
And that sport is pickleball. I’d like to explain why and what I plan to do in the world of pickleball. I’d also like to tell you one MASSIVE reason why I think pickleball can play a really positive role in our society moving forward.
Let me explain…
This is episode 91 of My Tennis Journey. As you’ll probably know, the vast majority of the episodes have been dedicated to the sport I’ve loved since I first picked up a racket in Skelton in Cumbria aged 9 or 10.
But dear, lovely tennis - I’ve got a confession to make. Whilst as Whitney sang I will always love you - I’ve also fallen for another sport.
And that sport is pickleball.
I’d like to explain why and what I plan to do in the world of pickleball.
I’d also like to tell you one MASSIVE reason why I think pickleball can play a really positive role in our society moving forward.
Let me explain…
Please do hit that subscribe or follow button if you get a chance!
I’ll always love tennis - but I have a new passion too and that passion is pickleball!
Rick Macci and Dr Niva: How To Power Up YOUR Positivity
What happens when you put one of the world's most famous tennis coaches together with an outstanding neurologist with a passion for our beautiful game? The answer is a fantastic book that can help shape the approach you take to tennis and the approach you take to life. The book is called Billion Dollar Mind, and in today's episode, we have the two authors.
What happens when you put one of the world's most famous tennis coaches together with an outstanding neurologist with a passion for our beautiful game? The answer is a fantastic book that can help shape the approach you take to tennis and the approach you take to life. The book is called Billion Dollar Mind, and in today's episode, we have the two authors.
The coach is the world famous Rick Macci, who featured prominently in the King Richard film as he coached Serena and Venus as juniors, as well as Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova, Jennifer Capriati and a whole host of others, including our other guest, Dr Nivedita (Niva) Uberoi Jerath. Dr Niva is an accomplished player and an equally accomplished neurologist.
Rick takes us through his approach to tennis and life alongside some amazing anecdotes about his approach with players who went on to become global stars, whilst Dr Niva brings neuroscience based strategies to help you achieve your full potential.
Whether you are a coach, player or parent, if you believe in the power of positivity and want to get practical tips on how to be more positive, I highly recommend the Billion Dollar Mind book and I think you're going to enjoy this episode.
Head here to find out more about the Billion Dollar Mind book and to buy your copy!
Alison Taylor: The Passion Fuelled Coaching Approach That Kickstarted Hannah Klugman and Arthur Fery’s Journeys
Today’s guest Alison Taylor has an inspirational tennis story and shares fantastic guidance on her approach to coaching which has kickstarted a love of tennis in some of the UK’s rising stars like Hannah Klugman and Arthur Fery.
Calling tennis parents, tennis coaches and tennis people - please do play today’s episode as Alison has an inspirational story and shares inspirational guidance on her tennis journey and her approach to coaching which has kickstarted a love of tennis in some of the UK’s rising stars like Hannah Klugman and Arthur Fery.
From a tennis parent perspective, I loved hearing Alison talk about the importance of the relationship between the coach, the player and the parent too. The importance of being a team together! Can you honestly say that about your relationship with your coach? Alison also talked about how maybe competing week after week here and there and everywhere isn’t necessarily necessary and the importance of fun! Listening will give you some inspiring guidance on the parental journey.
From a coaching (and parental) perspective, there’s so many words of wisdom in this episode from what it takes to be an effective Head Coach to her reflections on coaching Hannah Klugman and Arthur Fery to the characteristics promising juniors share. Fascinating insight after fascinating insight!
From a playing perspective, have I mentioned that Alison has Captained her country?! We’ll cover that too.
As you can probably tell, I’m very excited about this episode! Hope you’ll enjoy it too…
Alison Taylor is the Surrey based tennis coach who kickstarted the journeys of Hannah Klugman and Arthur Fery
Sports Performance Parenting Special: Make The Most of the Adventure for Your Player and YOU!
Ever read a book that has changed the way you think, the way you behave? Today’s interview is with the co-author and a stakeholder in the publication of a brilliant book that has had such an impact on me! The book is called Sports Performance Parenting and if you are a sports parent, I really believe you’ll find today’s episode valubale in all sorts of different ways…enjoy!
Ever read a book that has changed the way you think, the way you behave? Today’s interview is with the co-author and a stakeholder in the publication of a brilliant book that has had such an impact on me!
The book is called Sports Performance Parenting and the co-author in question is Gordon MacLelland from Working With Parents in Sport. This edition of the book is a collaboration with British Gymnastics and joining Gordon and I to talk all things sports performance parenting is Alex McGregor, the Head of Performance Pathway at British Gymnastics.
The subtitle to the book is Child First - Gymnast Second - A Holisitic Approach To Sports Parenting. To be honest you can easily replace the word Gymnast with Tennis Player as it is a book that is relevant to all sports parents. Its suitability as a read for tennis parents is highlighted by the fact that the introduction is written by Judy Murray.
As a tennis parent to three players, I know the joy that the tennis journey can bring. I also am very aware of the challenges, the emotional rollercoaster and the tough times. I hope you will find today’s episode as useful as I have for taking on these challenges and making the most of the adventures you have with your players.
The Sports Performance Parenting. book is co-authored by Gordon and Sarah Murray. The edition I read has been published by British Gymnastics. I really do strongly recommend it. Do please click the link to buy a copy of the Sports Performance Parenting book.
Gordon is the CEO and founder of Working with Parents in Sport (WWPIS). Gordon has a background in education and coaching and after a successful career coaching all age groups from U7’s through to adults and running sports programmes in schools, he is now a leading figure in the ‘parental engagement’ space. He is also a sports parent himself of two children who are involved in performance sport and aware of the many challenges that parents face.
The book features an ace introduction from Judy Murray.
As Judy says: ‘There are many challenges to us as parents and lots of those are the same whatever the sport. Dealing with winning and losing, handling disappointment or rejection from teams or squads, managing anxiety, finding sponsors, peer pressure, growing pains and many more. There has never been enough support, information, tips and independent advice for sports parents until now. I’m delighted to endorse the great work that Gordon and Sarah have undertaken to provide guidance.’
If Judy approves…I think you should too!
Do please click the link to buy a copy of the Sports Performance Parenting book.
Emily Appleton speaks to Stan Salmon about her journey from the juniors to the Pro Tour!
There’s loads of podcasts about tennis from the Pros to the grassroots - but I’m not aware of any podcasts that are hosted by juniors with a focus on junior tennis - until now! In today’s episode Stan Salmon (13) a junior tennis player from Derbyshire interviews Emily Appleton about her journey from the juniors to the Pro Tour.
There’s loads of podcasts about tennis from the Pros to the grassroots - but I’m not aware of any podcasts that are hosted by juniors with a focus on junior tennis - until now! In today’s episode Stan Salmon (13) a junior tennis player from Derbyshire interviews Emily Appleton about her journey from the juniors to the Pro Tour.
Emily had an amazing junior career reaching no.10 in the World and is now making strides as a Pro. As you’ll hear, Emily has some great guidance for juniors on how they can enjoy their tennis journey and gives a great insight into the highs and the challenges of being a Pro Player.
One area which Stan speaks to Emily about is what guidance she would give her 13 year old self knowing what she knows now. I think Emily’s answer is brilliant - and worth sharing part of it here:
“I don’t think when you are 13 anything means so much that you need to get stressed about it when you’re on court. It should be a place where you’re just having fun and getting better and growing as a person on and off the court.”
Emily's Mum, Sally, writes a really insightful blog about the reality of being a parent to a Pro Player. It's an amazing read! Please do take a read of Reality Tennis: A parent's perspective life on the pro tennis tour.
Sally Appleton: The Reality of Life on the Pro Tour from a Parent’s Perspective
Sally Appleton is the Mum to Emily Appleton. Following a successful junior career which saw her reach World no.10, Emily has gone on to be a professional tennis player competing around the World on the Tour. In today’s episode, Sally gives a fascinating insight into life on the Pro Tour from a parent’s perspective…
Sally Appleton is the Mum to Emily Appleton. Following a successful junior career which saw her reach World no.10, Emily has gone on to be a professional tennis player competing around the World on the Tour.
Today’s episode is an episode of two halves. In the first half, I asked Sally about her experiences as a tennis parent to Emily as a junior. Then in the second half we get to chat about a parent’s perspective of being a Mum to a pro player!
Sally publishes a fantastic blog called Reality Tennis which gives a parent’s perspective of what it’s like for a player trying hard to make it in the pro world. The good, the bad and the reality of life on the Pro Tour.
As you’ll hear, the rollercoaster ride of what life is REALLY like for large numbers of pro players may be somewhat different to what you think life is like…
In addition to listening to this episode, please do take a look at Sally’s amazing tennis blog which is called Reality Tennis - it’s a fantastic insight into life on Tour!
Ceire Mullins: GB Tennis Junior to International Padel Player
Ceire Mullins has had an action packed journey from GB tennis junior to international padel player and now Head Coach of Church Broughton Tennis Club where she will take over from me! As you’ll hear, Ceire has an infectious energy for the the sports of tennis and padel…
Ceire Mullins has had an action packed journey from GB tennis junior to international padel player and now Head Coach of Church Broughton Tennis Club where she will take over from me! As you’ll hear, Ceire has an infectious energy for the the sports of tennis and padel…
LISTEN TO CEIRE MULLINS ON APPLE PODCASTS
LISTEN TO CEIRE MULLINS ON SPOTIFY
LISTEN TO CEIRE MULLINS ON AMAZON
Whichever platform you listen on, it would be amazing if you’d be so kind to hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW!
Ceire Mullins is taking over from me as the new Head Coach of Church Broughton Tennis Club
Shane Deacon: Junior Programme To Pro - What It Takes
What does it take to make the journey from a talented junior to being a rising star on the pro tennis tour? There are many variables and if there was a set recipe I’m sure thousands of parents and coaches would cook it up for their little proteges!
Find out from LTA GB National Pathway Coach Shane Deacon in this episode…
What does it take to make the journey from a talented junior to being a rising star on the pro tennis tour? There are many variables and if there was a set recipe I’m sure thousands of parents and coaches would cook it up for their little proteges!
But I firmly believe lessons can be learned from those who have made the journey. Today, I’m really excited to talk to one such stakeholder. Shane Deacon is an LTA GB National Pathway Coach, he’s the inventor of the amazing TargetBound tennis coaching aid and he has also played a key role in the journey of the British Tennis player Toby Samuel who made his Wimbledon debut back in July.
Shane’s passion for the journey and what it takes to thrive shines through…enjoy the episode!
Please click the following link to find out more about the amazing TargetBound rebound board which Shane has invented!
Tennis Parents Special: Help From Leading Sports Psychologist Callum Gowling
Dear Tennis Parents, I totted up recently and our three children have played around 800* matches at tournaments. I know what attending tournaments with your child/children can be like. I know it can be rewarding, inspiring and joyful. I also know it can be stressful, challenging and frustrating. Today’s episode is with a leading sports psychologist who can help us tennis parents with our journeys! I know this is an episode I will listen to again and again…
Dear Tennis Parents, I totted up recently and our three children have played around 800* matches at tournaments. I know what attending tournaments with your child/children can be like. I know it can be rewarding, inspiring and joyful. I also know it can be stressful, challenging and frustrating. Ronan Keating once sang: Life is a Rollercoaster - he could just have easily have sang Life As A Tennis Parent is a Rollercoaster.
I also know that sports psychologists can help players thrive in what can be challenging situations (from apparent injustice, to third parties interfering, to dealing with things that inevitably go wrong in matches). But where I ask you, where is the help for parents from sports psychologists? If they can be such a massive help to players, can they be as big a help to tennis parents? Can a sports psychologist help you relish your role as a tennis parent?
I firmly believe the answer is YES! And Callum Gowling - who has collaborated with organisations like the LTA and ITF - is the sports psychologist who has kindly agreed to help. I hope this episode and its practical help and guidance will help you. I know it has helped me! It is an episode I will be re-listening to again and again…
* I realise your players may have done many more or maybe many less - but I reckon if you have been to a competitive graded tennis tournament this episode is relevant to you!
Callum Gowling - a leading sports psychologist is on hand to give tennis parents a set of guiding principles to help their tennis journey and that of their players too!
To find out more about the excellent services that Callum offers please visit his sports psychology for tennis website.
Rob Salmon: Why I’m Resigning As Head Coach At The World’s Best Tennis Club
Hello everyone, as anyone who knows me knows…I love Church Broughton Tennis Club. I love the role we play in the Community and seeing so many players of all ages enjoying our brilliant game(s). Today, I’m announcing that I’m going to be stepping down as Head Coach at Church Broughton at the end of Dec. And I want to explain why…
Whichever platform you go for, it’d be very much appreciated if you’d hit the SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW button!!
Andrew Jarrett: The Importance of County Week
Today, Andrew Jarrett and I want to talk about a subject which is close to our hearts - County Week or LTA Summer County Cup as it is also known. An event we know is incredibly important to players and GB tennis families.
It’s my favourite tennis competition and Mr Jarrett and I would like to tell you why it is so important…
Andrew Jarrett has had an amazing tennis journey from the early years in Derbyshire, to playing Davis Cup for GB, Coaching GB at The Olympics - and then going on to Wimbledon as The Championships Referee from 2006-2019. Andy has talked all about this and a whole lot more in his book Championship Points which has gone to the top of the Amazon charts!
Today, Andrew and I want to talk about a subject which is close to our hearts - County Week or LTA Summer County Cup as it is also known. Andy represented Derbyshire many times as a player and has attended many County Weeks as a Derbyshire supporter.
It is an event we know is incredibly important to players and GB tennis families and is my favourite tennis competition. Mr Jarrett and I would like to tell you why we believe it is such an important event…
County Week is one of the oldest competitions in the British sporting calendar having first been played in 1895. This year’s event will see Counties compete in a women’s and men’s event in seven divisions at grass court venues across the land.
Players like Emma Raducanu, Dan Evans, Harriet Dart, Joe Salisbury, Jodie Burrage, Jack Draper, Sue Barker, Tim Herman and Andy, Jamie and Judy Murray have all played County Week.
Ben Bartram: Rising Star of Wheelchair Tennis
Ben Bartram may only be 17, but as you’ll hear he’s already had a series of amazing adventures in the wheelchair tennis world!
He’s won the Junior US Open, risen inside the top 20 men’s rankings and recently returned from being a member of the winning GB World Cup team alongside Alfie and Gordon.
Ben’s passion for the journey shines bright, but just don’t ask him to play FIFA - you’ll hear why! Enjoy…
Ben Bartram may only be 17, but as you’ll hear he’s already had a series of amazing adventures in the wheelchair tennis world! He’s won the Junior US Open, risen inside the top 20 men’s rankings and recently returned from being a member of the winning GB World Cup team alongside Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid. Ben’s passion for the journey shines bright, but just don’t ask him to play FIFA - you’ll hear why! Enjoy…
Whichever platform you listen on, it would be AMAZING if you’d be so kind as to hit the SUBSCRIBE button.
Ben Bartram may only be 17, but as you’ll hear, he’s already had an amazing journey.
Sandi Procter: Coach to Innovator to LTA President
I truly believe that listening to Sandi Procter’s tennis journey is worth an hour of your time! The LTA President has an incredibly compelling back story within our sport…
Ever wondered how the red, orange and green balls came about? Wonder no more! Been impressed with the LTA’s Tennis Leaders programme? Find out how Sandi made it happen!
Having listened to Sandi’s journey, I’m confident she’ll make good things happen as LTA President.
Whether you’re a tennis player, coach, parent, official or volunteer, I feel sure you’ll enjoy hearing about Sandi Procter’s inspirational tennis journey…
I truly believe that listening to Sandi Procter’s tennis journey is worth an hour of your time! The LTA President has an incredibly compelling back story within our sport. Ever wondered how the red, orange and green balls came about? Wonder no more! Been impressed with the LTA’s Tennis Leaders programme? Find out how Sandi made it happen! Having listened to Sandi’s journey, I’m confident she’ll make good things happen as LTA President. Whether you’re a tennis player, coach, parent, official or volunteer, I feel sure you’ll enjoy hearing about Sandi Procter’s inspirational tennis journey…
LISTEN TO SANDI PROCTER ON APPLE PODCASTS
LISTEN TO SANDI PROCTER ON SPOTIFY
LISTEN TO SANDI PROCTER ON AMAZON MUSIC
Whichever platform you choose to listen on, it would be very much appreciated if you’d hit the SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW button so you are notified about future tennis journeys - we have more exciting ones coming soon!
