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Tennis is a sport that can be played socially or competitively by people of all ages and abilities. The qualities that set apart an elite athlete from a social player include speed, quick reaction time, instinct, high levels of concentration, exemplary technique and motivation. Most also have a supportive team of professionals who can help them with all aspects of the game; physically, mentally and tactically. This support is something that the AIS Pro Tour Program scholarship holders enjoy and which gives them an edge over their opposition.
About the AIS Pro Tour Tennis Program
Tennis was a foundation AIS program in 1981 based in Canberra with Ray Ruffels as head coach. Chris Kachel took over from Ray as head coach in 1990. In 1996 the program was relocated from Canberra to the National Tennis Centre in Melbourne. In March 2002, John McCurdy took over the role of AIS Tennis Head Coach from Chris Kachel.
The program has now developed into a full time on the road program, based in Sutton, London for at least six months of the year and in Canberra for the rest of the year. Brent Larkham was appointed head coach in 2006 and since then has brought together a team of highly talented coaches including Fed Cup Captain David Taylor.
The AIS Pro Tour Tennis Program promotes excellence in tennis and is designed as the pinnacle of athlete development within the Tennis Australia pathway. Players are encouraged to work to their full potential in both their sporting and academic careers.
