A WORLD-CLASS TENNIS ACADEMY
Reed’s School Tennis Academy
How a unique academy with a proud heritage continues to produce champions
Reed’s School, in Cobham, has built a formidable reputation for nurturing top-level tennis talent through their Tennis Academy. The Academy’s alumni speak volumes about its success. Tim Henman OBE, a former British number 1 and world number 4 with 15 ATP Tour titles to his name, remains one of its most iconic graduates. Today, however, it is Jack Draper who is capturing headlines - he became British number 1 earlier this year and has swept up the rankings in a short space of time to become world number 5. Whilst at Reed’s aged 13, Jack played in an exhibition match to open the Indoor Tennis Centre, pairing with Tim Henman against Andy Murray: no doubt the seeds of success were firmly planted at this event! A partnership in 1985 with the Jim Slater Foundation and David Lloyd lay the foundation for what is now the Reed’s School Tennis Academy (RSTA). Launched in 2004, it offers an outstanding, nationally recognised Elite Performance Programme supported by the LTA, boasting state-of-the-art facilities including a temperature-controlled indoor
centre. It is led by two of the Slater Squad’s original members, Adrian Blackman and Ben Haran. Entry to the RSTA is demanding; as well as being academically able enough to pass the school’s entrance test, prospective scholars must demonstrate that they have the physical prowess, technical skill and mental resilience required to thrive at the highest levels. This ensures that they develop as both elite athletes and well-rounded individuals, embracing a culture
that is fiercely competitive yet grounded in sportsmanship. One of the school’s greatest strengths lies in its understanding of the pressures faced by young athletes to balance rigorous academic demands with elite sporting commitments - Reed’s provides a tailored support network and teaches the interpersonal skills that will allow them to succeed in later life. ALISON ATKINS Marketing Manager www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk
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