David Lloyd, in association with Next Generation Health and Racquets Clubs, has launched the UK David Lloyd Tennis Academy.

In the past, David Lloyd has been closely involved with independent tennis academy, the Slater Tennis Foundation Scheme. The Slater Scheme will now form the basis of the new David Lloyd Academy, along with Reed’s school in Surrey.

Tennis coaches John Lloyd, Nick Brown and a selection of top Next Generation performance coaches will be involved on a day-to-day basis with the Academy. Students will receive academic education at Reed’s school and benefit from expert fitness and nutrition advice from some of the UK’s top advisors.

David Lloyd said: “It’s great for me to be involved in British tennis again and I see no reason why the David Lloyd Tennis Academy cannot produce world champion tennis players. I am confident we will start to get results within three to four years’ time.”

The Lawn Tennis Association has provided financial support for the project while the Academy has also sourced sponsorship from a number of individual backers and welcomes further enquiries from any interested corporate parties.

The Tennis First Charitable Trust has also contributed a generous amount to Reed’s school in order to finance Academy students’ education.

The first trails for entry into the Academy will take place on 5 June with 10 Next Generation health clubs across England and Scotland hosting open sessions which all young hopefuls aged 13 or under can attend.

The clubs hosting the trial events are located in Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, York, Chorley, Dudley, Cambridge, Ipswich, Dartford and Bristol. Places for the trials can’t be booked – children simply turn up on the day with their racquet and appropriate clothing.

The top players from each venue will be invited to a second set of trails to be held in Cambridge on 13 June. Details: www.ngclubs.co.uk or call +44 (0)870 60 60 166