A NEW high-performance tennis academy is putting the best talent south Essex has to offer through its paces in Billericay.

The Ellesse Academy, based at Billericay Tennis Club in Blunts Wall Road, opened last October with the aim of giving teenage sporting stars the best possible training as they bid to improve.

Three weekly high-intensity training sessions on the indoor courts are pushing the players to their limits under the guidance of Lawn Tennis Association coach Kirk Butler.

And the experienced Butler said he was over the moon with the progress the youngsters are making.

“It is early days but the academy gives players the chances to progress through the system, and enhance Billericay Tennis Club as well,” said Butler, 43.

“We have a good team of coaches and feel we can get these guys to play, compete and get the best out of themselves as possible.

“They are improving very quickly and working as a unit and there are a few that could make a career out of it.”

Clare Doe’s son Matthew, 15, has been playing since he was just three-years-old but she admits it has been hard to find a suitable base to nurture his talents.

Failed attempts at Blackmore, Brentwood, Mountnessing, Great Baddow and Basildon tennis clubs saw her turn to Butler with a view to setting up the academy and it is flourishing.

“It is hard to find decent coaches and you are often paying for a service you are unable to get a great deal out of,” said Doe.

“These young players need consistency and they get that at the Ellesse Academy. Because of the partnership with Ellesse, they all have matching kit and good tennis facilities which is great as well.”

Youngsters are put through their paces at sessions on Monday (5pm-8pm), Tuesday (5pm-7pm) and Friday (5pm-8pm) with additional classes at varying times on a Wednesday.

Classes include a 45 minute warm-up, with different drills throughout the week, with many competing in competitions across the country and as far afield as Barcelona at the weekend.

In recent times, classes for younger players – aged between six and nine - have been introduced with Butler confident the link-up with Billericay Tennis Club will work well.

“The players can learn at Billericay Tennis Club and then progress into the academy,” he said.

“I am really excited by what I have seen so far and, with such a good team of coaches, these guys are being given the best chance to make a success in the sport.”

For more information about the academy or if you fancy joining Billericay Tennis Club, contact Butler on 07904 081 135.