Talented youngsters who show signs of being the next big tennis superstar are snapped up by clothing and racket manufacturers from a young age, but for HEAD, it is more than just providing free equipment.
As members of Team HEAD, the youngsters not only receive tennis equipment, but they also enjoy ongoing support from local representatives as well as the opportunity to learn from world-renowned coaches such as Bob Brett and Emilio Sanchez.
One such opportunity was afforded to a group of British youngsters, who were invited to a coaching masterclass at the Roehampton Club by Judy Murray.
The youngsters, aged between 12 and 15, are members of HEAD’s junior development programme, which is aimed at supporting young tennis talent in more than 40 countries around the world.
“Both HEAD and Judy are passionate about offering the best coaching and support for promising young players and elite professionals,” said Dave Shaw, general manager for HEAD UK. “It is great that some of our juniors from Team HEAD and their parents have had the opportunity to learn from Judy, who has been involved in the journey from grassroots tennis through to becoming a Grand Slam champion. There isn’t anyone who has a better understanding of what is involved at every stage of a player’s development.”
Judy’s son Andy Murray was a member of the Team HEAD programme and Judy Murray believes having a sturdy support network can help young talent fulfil their potential.
“Providing young players with good coaching and support is important to me, so it’s great to spend the day with some of Team HEAD’s leading junior players,” said Murray, who has been Great Britain’s Fed Cup team captain since 2011.
“I’ve been using HEAD racquets for about 15 years and remember when my son, Andy, was part of Team HEAD. I understand how important it is for young players to have the right support around them so that they can fulfil their potential and enjoy their tennis.”
World No.2 Novak Djokovic and Richard Gasquet have also graduated from the Team HEAD programme, which has also supported the likes of recent junior Grand Slam champions Ashleigh Barty, Luke Saville, Grace Min and Dominic Thiem
For members of Team HEAD, the brand has created an online community where players can win tickets and wildcards, as well as access training tips and tricks and get their hands on exclusive HEAD kit.