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The National Competition Framework (NCF) is an LTA initiative which makes players play within their own age group when competing in tournaments. The main problem as I see it is that the restrictions are based on age & not on ability. For example 2001 players who are strong & capable of playing Green are forced to compete at Orange level which in my view isn’t sufficiently challenging. The ‘passport’ to play up, awarded by the LTA when deemed appropriate is a very rare commodity. The Mini Tennis concept has been hugely beneficial to the development of children’s tennis in this country but I believe that the NCF is too prescriptive. Players should be allowed to play up (or down!) depending on their ability & apart from the Red up to Orange concession, it is not possible to do either. All of the best Mini Tennis players at Lymm practise up because it provides them with a proper challenge. They like the bigger court & automatically work harder because they have to - if they don't they can't hit their shots. I believe that coaches should be able to make the decision about the level their players' compete at. Watch this space! If you would like your child to become involved in our Performance Programme email me, Steve Garbutt via the 'Contact Us' link on the main menu.
Winter Weather Causing Havoc! This winter's extreme weather has made coaching tennis outdoors particularly difficult. Full marks to the helpers who recently cleared the courts of snow to enable the programme to restart. I never thought I'd be as happy to see rain! Notwithstanding the awful weather we've been experiencing, we still have well over one hundred children having weekly coaching lessons. Well Done to you (& the coaches!!) For more information about Lymm LTCC & for membership enquiries go to www.lymm.net/tennis
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