MEMBERS of the full-time performance squad at Totally Tennis have received a huge boost from QM Sports Centre - a sponsorship deal for fitness training at the gym.

Nine county and national players will benefit from the partnership, which includes a tailored programme both at the gym itself and on-court at Totally Tennis.

Simon Mackmin, duty manager at the QM Sports Centre, has put together a programme, which includes tennis-specific speed and power work on-court.

Concentration on speed and power - and improving reaction speed - enables players to see and play shots quicker and harder.

At the fitness studio, players will work on strength and conditioning to prepare them for competition, with a programme designed so they peak at the right time.

Shane Deacon, of Totally Tennis, said: "As players get better and better fitness is becoming increasingly more important and so we are incredibly grateful for the excellent facility and programme that QMC are providing to support our players.

"The majority of our most talented under-18 players go to QMC and, undoubtedly, several of the under-16s that will now benefit from this deal will also become QMC students and represent their college in the future.

"So, in a way, QMC are making an investment which will be of great benefit for all involved."

Carolyn Cooper, QM Sports Centre manager, said: "We are all very excited about linking with such talented local athletes and hope that the carefully-tailored training will help them become more successful."

For more information about fitness training at QM Sports Centre, telephone 01256 418301.