National Academies

What are the National Academies

The National Academies (NAs) are Tennis Australia’s high performance environments that offer a comprehensive tennis training program to allow athletes to reach their full potential, with the ultimate vision of producing Grand Slam Champions.

Through world-class coaching, sport science and medicine, we foster successful professional athletic performance.

There are seven NAs:

Melbourne
Sydney
Brisbane
Perth
Adelaide
Canberra
Hobart

Who are the National Academies for?

The NAs are for athletes, predominantly aged between 10 and 16, who fulfil the entry criteria based on ranking, results and participation; and who have the ambition to become professional tennis players.

National Academy scholarship benefits

The benefits offered to NA athletes vary depending on whether the athletes are full or wildcard scholarship holders. The benefits include:

Free coaching and training including skill development and planning support
Assigned coach to lead the athlete’s tennis development
Access to National Academy facilities and opportunities
Educational planning and support
Strength and conditioning programs and testing
Medical, physiotherapy, psychology, nutrition and rehabilitation services provided by NA preferred service providers
Access to professional team management via a Tour Coach and/or Tour Manager while on official TA Tours
Subsidised flights when travelling on Tennis Australia International Tours Program, and to domestic pro circuits

How do I join a National Academy?

Athletes are selected according to the Athlete Development criteria. Athletes may also be wildcarded into a NA upon selection by the National Head Coach.

For athletes to maintain their position within the NA they are required to meet standards relating to performance, behaviour and attitude.

The Athlete Development criteria has been reviewed to remain as current as possible, reflecting the performances of today’s professional players that are ranked in the top 100.

Download the 2012 National Academy Scholarship Criteria

Download the 2012 National Academy full scholarship application form

Download the 2012 National Academy wildcard scholarship application form

Got a question?

Contact the NA Manager or Head Coach in your capital city:

Adelaide and NT: Rohan Fisher rfisher@tennis.com.au

Brisbane: Troy Ayres: tayres@tennis.com.au

Melbourne: Rob Leeds rleeds@tennis.com.au

Perth: Andrew Roberts aroberts@tennis.com.au

Sydney: Craig Purcell cpurcell@tennis.com.au

Canberra: Todd Larkham tlarkham@tennis.com.au

Tasmania: Simon Youl syoul@tennis.com.au

What’s the next step after the National Academy?

The NAs endeavour to transition athletes who meet the Athlete Development criteria into the AIS Pro Tour Program as per the Tennis Australia Training Pathway.