O’Mara part of national coaching programme

Angus player will get help with funding and training facilities

Arbroath tennis star Jonny O’Mara is to benefit from a new tailored coaching programme.

Tennis Scotland will also provide funding and promotional support to the country’s next generation of stars as part of a new agreement.

The National Player Programme has been enhanced to help the most talented players realise their potential and prepare them for life on the tour.

O’Mara, 25, is one of 11 players who will have access to centralised training in conjunction with Stirling University, home to the Scottish National Tennis Centre and GB National Tennis Academy.

In addition, they will receive expert sport science and medicine support via the sportscotland Institute for Sport and financial grants towards coaching and competition costs.

Doubles star O’Mara – who reached the Australian Open quarter-finals in January – became the first to participate in a professional event after lockdown restrictions were lifted when he and playing partner Joe Salisbury reached the Battle of the Brits semi-finals at the National Tennis Centre in London.

“The Tennis Scotland National Player Programme has provided me with the foundations to help me reach the very top,” O’Mara said.

“I’m really proud to be part of it alongside so many other talented Scottish tennis players.

“The last couple of months have been challenging for everyone involved in the sport but I’m so happy to be back on court again and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Tennis Scotland chief executive Blane Dodds said: “We have an abundance of emerging talent on the tennis circuit.

“We’re thrilled to be able to announce the players taking part in this year’s programme.

“We already have a number of players playing at the highest level.

“We have a some very exciting young players aspiring to follow in their footsteps and those of Andy and Jamie Murray, both of whom have etched their names into tennis history thanks to their achievements over the last decade or so.

“The National Player Programme has been designed to help the best Scottish talent reach their potential and we’re looking forward to supporting them on their journey and helping them realise their potential.”