We are now recruiting players to join our tennis programme. For more information please contact us.

The MCTA TeamBath Tennis Programme began in January 2010, when David Sammel (MCTA) and Barry Scollo (TeamBath, an Academy which is part of Bath University) agreed terms for a joint venture which gave the MCTA a fantastic training base and the existing TeamBath Academy a touring team for their emerging players to aspire. "TeamBath under the guidance of Barry has recently secured International High Performance status from the LTA in recognition of the teams excellence in nurturing young talent. The moment the idea surfaced that the MCTA could add tour experience to the programme I met with Barry and was immediately struck by his enthusiasm and ambitions for TeamBath" said Sammel. He added that the work of the LTA through Steve Martens, Matt James and Simon Jones in helping facilitate this partnership was a vital element and shows the ambitions of the LTA to create  internationally competitive environments that benefit players and coaches.

We have begun with a training block from the 9th-18th of November in Bath which is 90min from Heathrow airport. This is a combined tennis and foot placement block benefiting TeamBath with the expertise of Jez Green, Barry Cowan and Jim Edgar and the first step to integrate the two teams. Roxanne Sammel (MCTA assistant trainer) and Alex Cockram (TeamBath strength+conditioning) will be tracking Jez as he conducts foot placement sessions with players whilst continuing the conditioning programmes of the players.

Barry Scollo in speaking about the venture said: "'The partnership with Dave and the MCTA group is an exciting step forward for TeamBath Tennis. The expertise provided by Dave and his team will inject invaluable international experience to our existing tennis structure and an elite touring programme for aspiring professionals beyond academy level. By combining our resources, Dave and I recognise the opportunity for creating a world class training environment for touring players operating from one of the best UK tennis training bases. This venture has been endorsed by the University of Bath (TeamBath) and Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), whose support has been paramount to the success of TeamBath Tennis. The TeamBath coaches are looking forward to working in partnership with the MCTA and the positive impact this will have on all areas of the tennis
programme'.

The touring academy includes coaches and trainers travelling with players to a minimum of 20 tournaments per year with the training between tournaments at Bath. Touring players stay with host families and younger players can attend school either as boarders or live with host families if from abroad or out the area. The added advantage of developing young players for the touring academy is a natural next step for the MCTA and bringing the experience of tour coaches and trainers to TeamBath is a progression for the academy.