Last week alumnus, Barry Scollo, who is Director of Team Bath Tennis and GB Universities Captain joined us to give a very insightful presentation about what is on offer for tennis players within the UK university system.
The presentation was well attended by Bede’s pupils and Barry really opened everyone’s eyes to the great opportunities which are available here in the UK. He explained that some of the universities with the best tennis programmes such as his own, Bath, as well as Durham, Loughborough, Exeter, Bristol and Edinburgh amongst others, provide some impressive training and competition programmes, allowing pupils to continue playing at a high level whilst pursuing their academic studies.
Barry gave the pupils some top tips – such as to take up opportunities to volunteer as well as to take coaching badges - and after the presentation took questions from pupils and parents, which covered some of the things he has learned during his own professional playing and coaching career.
Summing up, Bede’s Director of Tennis, Francesca Scollo said, “Obviously Bede’s has a strong track record in supporting our top tennis players secure tennis scholarships to the US and this is a great route for some players, but sometimes students can overlook the impressive tennis programmes which are available here in the UK, including within some of our top Russell Group universities. It is inspiring for them to know that pursuing their academic goals need not mean sacrificing their tennis goals. My thanks to Barry for joining us.”
