AN UP-and-coming young tennis player from Ellesmere has been highlighted as one of the brightest talents in the country after they were included on the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) Aegon FutureStars programme.


Samuel Chapman, 13, pictured, trains at the Shrewsbury Club he has earned his place on the programme following a successful year on court and will now receive added support from the LTA.


The Aegon FutureStars programme recognises and supports some of the best juniors in the country based on the individual player’s talent ID assessment for players aged 13 and under, and rankings for all other age groups.


The talented youngster has been included as part of the 2013 intake of players and will be part of a group of 486 top juniors from around the country who all receive varying levels of funding and support from the LTA.

Leon Smith, LTA Head of Men’s and Women’s Tennis, said: “We are committed to identifying and supporting our most talented players, and the Aegon FutureStars programme is central to this process for young players who are starting out in the game.


“It’s a long journey for any player hoping to make an impact on the game but we hope that with the right support, these players are given the best possible chance of reaching their full potential.”


British No.2 Heather Watson added: “The Aegon FutureStars programme identifies the most talented young players in the country and so it’s great that Samuel has been chosen to join the squad. I hope Samuel uses this support to help them achieve their dream of playing at the highest level.”