THE third and final phase of the Totally Tennis Junior Coaching Award ended last week with the presentation of certificates to the 13 students.

The 14 to 16-year-olds, who were selected from Brighton Hill Community College, Costello Technology College, Bishop Challoner, Fort Hill Community School, Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College, in Basingstoke, and Kings' and The Westgate schools in Winchester, have been working towards this award since June.

Their two completed modules included two full days on court training with head coach Shane Deacon, as well as 20 hours of coaching experience, shadowing a coach in club sessions.

In last week's final session, candidates showcased their new skills by coaching groups of children of all ages from Rucstall Primary School.

Working in pairs, they delivered two 30-minute lessons with a small group of up to six children, monitored by Deacon and Rucstall headteacher Tom Arnold.

On completion of the sessions, Deacon presented the candidates with their certificates.

Sam Brett, George Corden, Anthony Daley, Liam James and Ben Jubin all achieved merits, with all the other candidates gaining passes.

The Junior Coaching Award was developed by tennis director Nigel Long and Deacon in 2005 after they identified a need to retain young players in tennis through coaching and playing, as well as developing leadership skills and increasing awareness of the opportunities available in sport.

The award scheme is endorsed by the British Schools Tennis Association and the Hants and Isle of Wight Lawn Tennis Association, and the candidates have learned important communication and organisation skills that are needed to be a successful coach.

Lesson structure, warm-ups, long-term player development, basic technique, diet, customer care and presentation skills were also touched on as the students worked through the course booklet and studied on court to complete a logbook.

The objective - to retain players and improve awareness of opportunities - has been met and everyone involved was enthusiastic about tennis coaching.

The candidates will continue to be offered follow-up opportunities by Totally Tennis, thus increasing and sustaining their involvement with the game.

Deacon said: "I am very impressed with the improvements the candidates have made to their coaching techniques and the commitment they have shown. The award has proved very successful, and we intend to run it again next year."