Thursday, 15 February, 2007

Tennis Scotland believe Andy Murray's meteoric rise can inspire a new generation of young players after revealing plans for a new national academy.

The academy will be launched in Edinburgh this September, with an objective of producing more top-class players.

Tennis Scotland chief executive David Marshall said: "The launch of the forthcoming Tennis Academy will, I sincerely believe, prove to be pivotal in terms of the future development of the sport in this country."

Merchiston and St George's schools in the capital have signed up to play a part in the scheme which will allow the country's top players to develop their game while remaining in full-time education.

Scotland gained a new grand slam champion last month when Graeme Dyce and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara won the boys' doubles at the Australian Open.

Former US Open boys' singles champion Murray, from Dunblane, has risen to 13th in the senior world rankings. This week he is defending his SAP Open title in San Jose, where last year he defeated Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt.

National coach Ellinore Lightbody added: "I am extremely excited as to the potential of the Tennis Academy in supporting potential world-class players reach their goals."

Tennis Scotland have confirmed that means-tested bursaries will be available to pay school fees for players with the greatest potential.

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