Staffordshire University academics lend a helping hand to tomorrow's tennis stars

Staffordshire University has netted a deal with the county's Lawn Tennis Association to help improve the health and fitness of performance players from both the junior and senior squads.

Academics and students from the university’s department of sport and sciences will routinely assess players of all ages from across county teams, looking at ways to not only improve physical performance, but also help reduce the risk of injuries.

From an initial assessment identifying movement, strength and mobility, the sport science team will direct players on how to improve their fitness levels, plan for life changes such as adolescence and ageing, and reduce the likelihood of injury.

Organisers say the deal will benefit both the university's staff and students, who will have a large group of performance players across all age groups to assess as part of their ongoing studies, and also the players themselves who can learn from the best local sports science specialists. It will be particularly beneficial to junior players, who also have to contend with changes to their bodies during adolescence.

Members of the under-14 county squad were put through their paces during the Easter holidays, with tests on their reactions, flexibility, speed and endurance. The data will be analysed, with parents and players getting information on areas where the improvements can be made. 

In three months’ time further tests will be done before another set. 

Alex Blackett, head of sport and sciences at the university, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome such an eager group of young players to our science centre and sporting facilities. 

"Our team of academics and students worked together to really put them through their paces. The young athletes responded well to the battery of tests we administered, and even though there were lots of red faces, everyone had a lot of fun with plenty of smiles throughout."

He said that, like in most sports, fitness was crucial.

"Understanding what they are good at is important, realising their weaknesses and working to improve could be the difference between winning and losing.,” he said.

Graham Cole, chairman of Staffordshire Lawn Tennis Association said the initiative would be of huge benefit to many players.

"For the younger players, we hope the information gained will help their parents’ guide them on their journeys," said.

"For the older players, we hope it will extend their playing careers.

"Even though we are a relatively small tennis playing county, we punch above our weight with many players chosen to represent Great Britain over the years. "The 2023 winner of Junior Wimbledon, Henry Seale, is from Staffordshire,. We hope to support the next champion with the support of the university.”