Inspired by Murray’s ATP tennis marathon? Practice your tennis skills in a warmer climate with an African gap year…

2009-11-24 17:32:32 - Youngsters across the globe are riveted on the world of tennis, dreaming of following the footsteps of Murray and Federer, while some are content to train at home, adventurous players are heading to Africa for a Real Gap year sports experience...

It may not be the right time of year for strawberries at Wimbledon, but this week will see more than a few tennis fans glued to their screens. Not only did this weekend see a return to form for Scottish Tennis sensation Andy Murray, it also marked the beginning of this year’s much anticipated ATP World Tour Finals. The weeklong

series of matches, running from the 22-29 November, will see the cream of the tennis crop battling for the coveted title and a winner’s prize of almost £1 million.

Getting things off to a dramatic start, Sunday’s opening singles match saw the Brit’s favourite, Murray, take an early lead with his defeat of US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in a nail-biting match. Winner of 6 titles already this year, Murray’s latest win has reignited the hopes and interest of a new sporting generation, and created a feverish excitement about his match against world champion Roger Federer today.

Youngsters across the globe are now riveted on the world of tennis and cherish dreams of gracing the legendary lawns of London to compete for their own champion’s title. While some are content with training across local nets, more adventurous players are giving their game something special by training overseas with prominent gap year sports company, Real Gap.

Leading the way in overseas adventures and experiences, Real Gap offer a range of exciting and cultural experiences, as well as a variety of sports programmes. While surfing fans can find the perfect trip in Australia, scuba diving enthusiasts can plumb the depths in Thailand and snowboard extremists can tackle the slopes in New Zealand, tennis addicts can work on their backhand in Ghana.

Though not traditionally associated with the sport, Ghana is one of the most up-and-coming tennis destinations in Africa. The Ghanaian Tennis Association (GTA)is keen to develop it’s young players and Real Gap’s Ghana Tennis Coaching programme is a vital part of this initiative. Participants will not only be able to help give local youngsters the benefit of their experience, there will also be the possibility of gaining a placement alongside the country’s top players.

Tennis enthusiasts can work on their own skills and coaching style as they assist local coaches across Ghana’s tennis clubs. Volunteers will have the chance to help run training sessions, organise games and work with players on an individual basis, developing their own coaching technique and giving their protégées the tools they’ll need to be the next global success. Players can also contribute to the future of tennis by coaching and participating in the training sessions for the Junior National Squads, a unique opportunity to work with Ghana’s raw tennis talent.

Tennis fans who want to make their mark on sporting history or fine tune their own playing technique can find out more about Tennis Coaching in Ghana by visiting the Real Gap website at www.realgap.co.uk/Ghana-Tennis-Coaching or calling 01892 516164 to speak to an expert travel adviser.