Lucky pupils from Shiplake College were treated to free tennis coaching sessions by top coaches from the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy, last Thursday (23 January).
Based in Rafa’s home town in Mallorca in Spain, the Academy offers a range of tennis programmes as well as an international school for talented young people with ambitions to be the world’s next tennis stars.
The opportunity was made possible by Travel Places, Shiplake’s partner for some of its international sports tours, who have an exclusive partnership with Rafa Nadal Academy for schools in the UK. The coaching is free of charge to schools and tennis clubs, and aims to foster a love of the game and show what is on offer to those willing to visit the Academy in Mallorca.
Tim Douglas, Head of School Tours at Travel Places, said: “We have been working with Shiplake on school tours over the last few years, and asked if they would be interested in having the coaches from the Academy visit the school and offer some coaching.
“We know Shiplake is a strong tennis school, and knew the pupils would get a lot out of the specialist coaching.”
Mr Sam Shaw, Head of Tennis, said: “The Rafa Academy was a fantastic opportunity and has galvanised the junior and senior teams in advance of the summer term, as well as inspiring those new to the school.
“I will certainly be using the drills I saw and will be working on my own doubles game as a result!
“Hopefully we'll be able to arrange a tennis tour to the Academy in Mallorca in the near future."
Flickr album: Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy |
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