Repton School, renowned for its strong emphasis on sports, particularly tennis, recently sent a group of its talented pupils to the prestigious Ferrer Tennis Academy (FTA) in Spain. This initiative underlines Repton School’s commitment to nurturing athletic excellence alongside academic achievement.
The week-long camp, held in April 2024, was an invaluable experience for the 20 Repton School students who participated. The academy, established by Javier Ferrer, the brother and coach of former tennis star David Ferrer, offers world-class training facilities. The pupils had access to three hard courts and six clay courts, including a central court designed for large audiences.
During their stay, the Repton School pupils engaged in intensive training sessions that included clay court drills, matchplay, and strength and conditioning exercises. These sessions were overseen by Andrew Richardson, head coach at FTA, who gained fame for coaching Emma Radacanu to her U.S. Open win. Richardson’s expertise provided the students with unique insights into professional tennis training.
The Repton School group also interacted with full-time academy players, offering them a taste of rigorous training in a competitive environment. This exposure was crucial in helping the pupils improve their skills and prepare for their upcoming tennis season.
James Rushby, Repton School’s director of tennis, emphasized the benefits of such overseas tours. He noted that the pupils returned with enhanced skills and a stronger team spirit, key components of their development as young athletes.
With a history of producing top-level tennis talent, Repton School continues paving the way for future successes in the sport. Participation in international training camps like this one at FTA highlights Repton School’s ongoing dedication to developing well-rounded athletes capable of excelling both on and off the court.