A promising young tennis player from Baillieston, Glasgow, has been selected for the LTA’s top support programme for junior wheelchair players.
Robertson, 15, is one of 12 high potential players chosen for the LTA Wheelchair National Age Group Programme (NAGP), which provides a variety of coaching, competition and educational support.
The programme is designed to educate and develop players as they transition through the LTA’s World Class Wheelchair Tennis Performance Pathway, allowing them to be best prepared to become elite international athletes.
As part of the NAGP, Robertson will have access to training and tournament guidance from LTA coaches, training camps, home training visits from LTA coaches and support to maintain a sport/life balance.
Robertson began playing wheelchair tennis at Scotstoun Leisure Centre in Glasgow when she was 11 and in normal circumstances she would still attend weekly wheelchair tennis sessions at Scoutstoun. However, webinars organised by the LTA have been an important part of her routine during lockdown
She is a three-time Scottish junior champion and in 2018 won the junior doubles title at the LTA’s British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships with fellow Scot Ruari Logan.
Players who continue to show high potential at the end of their NAGP support will advance to the next stage of the pathway, the World Class Wheelchair Tennis Performance Programme, which currently supports multiple Grand Slam champions Gordon Reid, Alfie Hewett, Jordanne Whiley and Andy Lapthorne.
Rob Cross, LTA Wheelchair Performance Head Coach, said: “I would like to congratulate Ellie on her selection for the NAGP this year. She has shown great potential and now has access to a fantastic package of support which will hopefully allow her to develop even further, both as a player and a person. While we have a track record of producing high performing wheelchair tennis players in this country, the standards of the sport across the world continue to advance and this programme is designed to help us stay ahead of the pack and maximise the potential of our best players. The LTA World Class Wheelchair Tennis Performance Pathway provides a seamless route for our highest potential players to progress from junior competition to playing major tournaments. I wish Ellie and the other players selected for the NAGP every success as they continue their journey this year.”
Robertson said: “I am delighted about being picked for the NAGP, I am aware of the work and commitment that being part of this group will involve and will give 100 per cent dedication to it. I am really excited to be part of the group and look forward to the opportunities it will bring.”
For more information about the LTA Player Pathway and ten-year Performance Strategy, visit www.lta.org.uk.