LRTA’s Programs Strategy includes the establishment of four specific programs. The objective of these programs is to provide an environment aimed at developing players to their full potential. The ultimate goal is to encourage more young females to play real tennis and foster a friendly community amongst the players.

U18 (Junior) Development Program

Coming soon!

U25 Bursary Scheme

The LRTA Bursary scheme was put in place in order to encourage participation by and to develop the talents of young women players (aged 25 and under as a guide) who show both talent for and commitment to the game of real tennis. The scheme pays for 6 lessons for the recipient (both the professional’s fees and the court costs). An LRTA member at the recipient’s club is appointed as a mentor for the young player.

Potential Bursary recipients may be spotted at LRTA or club tournaments and are usually proposed by the club professional.  However, they can be nominated by any LRTA member as long as agreement is given by the relevant Club professional that the nominee shows sufficient talent and commitment.  If you wish to nominate a young player for an LRTA bursary, speak to your Club professional.

Recent Graduates Scheme

Many female players are recruited for University teams from Lawn Tennis, Squash, or Badminton (or even Lacrosse!) but then receive little support to keep playing once they left their University clubs. Realising this, the LRTA set up the Recent Graduates scheme to give these young women court time and the social element of the game that is so essential to keeping younger players in the game. The LRTA subsidises the courts for these monthly sessions, and works closely with local clubs to ensure that membership fees do not prohibit women from continuing with the game. The scheme also helps to build a network of younger female players who may then enter tournaments together.

It is always a very social evening, and we would love to hear from any recent graduates (or younger players) who would like to be involved! The sessions are held monthly throughout the Real Tennis season, and are held in the evenings or on the weekend to ensure that as many young professionals and those continuing in further education as possible are able to attend.

U30 Match Fee Scheme

The LRTA wishes to encourage younger members to play in its friendly matches against other clubs so is funding the payment of match fees for players under 30 years old.  Most matches are open to any standard of player and don’t take up too much time.  Players should note that friendly matches are team and social occasions and team members should spend as much time spectating and supporting other team members as they can and should join everyone for lunch whenever possible.  However, if necessary, the match manager may be able to take account of any time constraints a player may have.  When standards differ, handicaps may be used and players may be able to choose between singles or doubles.
 
To take advantage of this scheme, players must be either full or junior members of the LRTA and under 30 years of age on the day of the match.  They should contact the match manager of a match in which they would like to play and inform them that, if selected, they would like their match fees to be paid by the LRTA.  The scheme limits the number of “free to player” places in any one match to two.  If more than two players apply, priority will be given to players who have so far benefited less from the scheme and then on a first come first served basis.  If a free place cannot be given to a qualifying player, the match manager will attempt to provide a ball park figure for the match fee so that the player can decide whether or not they still wish to join the team.  Fees can vary considerably depending on whether matches are Singles or Doubles, marked by a professional or a player, one long set or best of three first to six game sets, cost of lunch, etc. etc.
 
Match fees include the charges for court and marking fees and for lunch.  Any other food and drink for which the venue charges, must be paid by the player.  Lunch for non-playing supporters, guests and responsible adults accompanying under 18 players is not included nor is transport to and from the match venue.
 
A list of LRTA members who will be under 30 years of age on the day of a match can be obtained from the lead LRTA RTO Administrator.  The LRTA Treasurer will keep a record of all recipients of “free to player” places.  Match managers should check with the Treasurer before assembling their team to ensure they offer “free” places correctly.  The match manager may invite players to join the team and will inform them if they qualify for a “free to player” place.  The match manager will pay fees due and reclaim them from the LRTA Treasurer.