Win Tennis awarded IHPC status

Bisham Abbey's Win Tennis has been awarded International High Performance Centre (IHPC) status by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

The announcement, which also saw IHPC awarded to Tennis Midlands, follows a review of all 21 centres across the country.

IHPC status recognises the breadth and international standard of the player base at Win Tennis and means it will receive additional support from the LTA including increased access to world class expertise from Steven Martens (player director) and Louis Cayer (performance programmes manager).

Mike Walker, chief executive and director of tennis at Win Tennis, said: "We are delighted to be granted IHPC status by the LTA. I feel it is recognition from the LTA for all the hard work that has been put in by everyone involved with Win Tennis, staff and players alike.

"We are looking ahead to some very exciting times in the coming months and have a team of coaches totally dedicated to getting the best out of our players. This enhanced status is a tribute to their commitment and effort, and a real incentive to expand on what we already have in place."

Steven Martens, player director at the LTA, said: "The main strengths of Win Tennis lie in a very well organised and disciplined programme for a large group of players who are either international or national standard within their age category. The whole facility is driven with almost military precision.

"Mike Walker and his team not only show a great quality in delivery but also a real passion for success which makes the programme one of the best in Britain. It was a very logical step to award Win Tennis with IHPC status."

Win Tennis will be taking over the management of the player development programme at the Westway High Performance Centre from Monday.

The 21 HPCs were announced throughout 2007-2008 and the LTA has been working with all centres to provide enhanced technical, sports science and facilities advice as well as full access to the National Tennis Centre.