CHILDREN from across Cornwall will now benefit from the very best junior tennis coaching programmes available, after licensed tennis coaches in the area have attended the first of a series of national Roadshows focusing on juniors in clubs at the Cornwall Indoor Tennis and Sports Centre in Bodmin.

The Roadshows are designed to deliver the latest Junior Tennis coaching practices in the Lawn Tennis Association's drive to deliver more and better players and ensure clubs create a friendly yet competitive environment for Britain's youngsters.

Coaches will receive training and guidance in all elements of junior tennis to help develop the sport across Cornwall. The training will cover the principles of the physical, technical, tactical and mental aspects of coaching players aged 10-13 years. Coaches will also learn about the ways in which club officials, coaches and volunteers can work together to create a successful club environment for juniors.

The Bodmin event is one of 36 roadshows for coaches taking place across Britain between January and April 2004 and follows the successful series of roadshows in 2003 that focused on mini tennis.

"The 2003 Roadshows, with a focus on the under 10s, were incredibly successful and we had a fantastic response from the coaches up and down the country," said Sandi Proctor, junior tennis manager. "Last year mini tennis saw an 84% rise in the numbers playing, which is a great reflection on the coaches. We are really looking forward to staging the second series of Roadshows, this time focusing on the growth of our players aged 10-13."