Canberra, 1 June 2011 | tennis.com.au

Some of Australia’s most promising junior players are set to shine at the inaugural National Talent Development Camp at the Australian Institute of Sport from Wednesday 1 June.

Considered among the top 50 players nationwide in the 10/u age group, 16 boys and 16 girls from every state and territory will head to the premier sport training institute to participate in a unique training and competitive experience for future development.

Many participants will also be joined their private coaches, who will also have the opportunity to work with some of the country’s leading coaches and undergo professional development.

“The National Talent Development Camp offers a fun and engaging experience for coaches and athletes,” Tennis Australia Developmental Tennis Manager (16 years and under) Scott Draper said.

“The camp will help us gain a better understanding of the age group and improve the quality and quantity of tennis players under the age of 12 in Australia.”

Participants will undergo physical and skills testing, on court match play analysis and technical analysis, along with fun activities including an ‘Amazing Race’ and tour of the Australian Institute of Sport.

Participants will be put through their paces under the watchful eye of experienced national coaches including Draper, Simon Youl, Todd Larkham and Michael Robertson.

The camp will include a technical and tactical analysis of each player conducted by Tennis Australia’s performance analysis team, with full athlete reports provided to each coach to aid future development.

National Talent Development Coach mentors including Ian Barclay, Rob Kilderry, Gary Stickler and Bill Bowrey will also be on hand at the camp to assist private coaches.

Barclay enjoyed success as a coach with Pat Cash and several other Australian champions, while Stickler worked with players such as Pat Rafter and Draper. Bowrey was also a successful coach and winner of the Australian Open in 1968.

The National Talent Development Camp is set to become an integral part of Tennis Australia’s talent search and development program, and pave the way for creating Australia’s future tennis champions.