In a continued effort to improve Coach Education in the Caribbean the International Tennis Federation conducted two Short Theme Courses, which focused on (Long Term Player Development and Working with Top Players). The course was funded by Olympic Solidarity in conjunction with the Antigua and Barbuda Olympic Committee and the Antigua and Barbuda Tennis Association.

Ten coaches from eight countries within the Caribbean, committed themselves to seven days of intense weather and great activities: (Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda, Bonaire, Dominica, Jamaica, Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago).

The goal of the course was to provide coaches with the latest information on specific sports science and coaching topics. Mr Karl Davies did an excellent job as coaches shared their positive feedback and hope similar courses be held in the near future.

The Development Officer (Anthony Jeremiah) felt the course was a success and believed valuable information was gained and must be shared with others when the coaches return to their respective countries, if the wider Caribbean is to succeed in its quest for excellence.

The priority was to further develop National Coordinators for Junior Tennis Initiative in their respective countries, since they are in the best position to lead the initiatives.

Some coaches shared their comments:

Nice refresh on Play Tennis Theory and how it fits in the long term athlete development, together with the intervention skills when working with top players. (Trevor -Suriname)

The course was extensive and the knowledge gained was priceless, the contents was structured and well delivered. (Nicolas -Guyana)

Intensive eight days, good presentation with long term planning for coaches, players and administrators from learning to active life.

I learnt how to tweet in teaching and the importance of demonstration. (Erica -Antigua)

Great course and awesome presentation, it was well worth the time to attend. (Evans- Jamaica)

The workshop was really enlightening, it made me realized that I didn't know as much as I did. (Charisma- Antigua)

Very good workshop with lots of interaction with other coaches and players. I also learnt the structure of a lesson plan. (Jonathan- Aruba)

Very informative, well presented, in depth and well received. (Kevin- Barbados).

For more information on ITF courses please check the following link:

http://en.coaching.itftennis.com/courses/specific-theme.aspx

ITF Caribbean Training Camp 2012

The International Tennis Federation 7th Regional Training Camp for players 13&under was held in Tobago at the Shaw Park Tennis Facilities. Twelve players from seven Caribbean islands were invited (Barbados, Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, Grenada, St Lucia and host country Trinidad and Tobago). The camp was facilitated by the Tennis Association of Trinidad and Tobago, Crusoe Isle Tennis Club/Tobago Zone and the Tobago House of Assembly.

The objective of the camp was to give the best talented player that performed well at the 13&under Caribbean Development Championships, which was held in Tobago from 26th August to 2nd September 2012 and players that also performed well during the year at ITF Team events and COTECC Circuit for players 14&under an opportunity to work together while challenging their skills (physically, mentally, emotionally, technically and tactically).

The ITF’s budget of US $11,000 was spent on accommodation, meals, transport and travel grants for the players to attend the camp. The camp was conducted by Mr Curtis Gonzales (Trinidad and Tobago) and Mr John Goede (Suriname) two very experience coaches that assist the ITF from time to time with various projects


 The players commented on the great time they had and will implement some of the new ideas shared by the coaches.

The ITF Development Officer believed that the camp was a great success and demonstrates the commitment by the ITF to the development of young talented players in the Caribbean