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Junior Performance Programme (JPP)

Starting from January 2024, the way we invite players into the Junior Performance Programme (JPP) will change. Previously, for players aged 12–17, selection was based on achieving a series of results that met specific criteria, which then offered them the opportunity to be invited to trials. Moving forward, the system will shift its focus to identifying players with the potential to achieve senior international results in the future.

Junior Camps

Junior Camps will be held (typically around April) for approximately 30 boys and 30 girls who have been identified by the Junior Programme Coaches through a combination of observations and tournament results. These camps provide an opportunity for coaches to observe the players more closely and gather more detailed information to support stronger selection decisions. Coaches will use a profiling tool to assess each player’s abilities and skills. From these camps, coaches will identify suitable players to invite to the JPP, as well as those who may benefit from more time to develop.

At the camps, players will be profiled using the same parameters as the U17 and Senior Player Profiling systems, ensuring consistency across all levels. Profiling parameters include:

Technical
Tactical
Physical
Psychological
Lifestyle

Suitable players will be invited to join the JPP after the camp.

For players who may be a year or two older but still within the JPP age groups (U15 and U17), there will still be opportunities to gain a place in the programme. This will primarily be through local tournament observations by the team of JPP coaches. If identified, players may be invited for short trial periods during which they will be observed and profiled. Appropriate feedback will be provided to support their continued development.

The JPP Coaches will determine if the player is suitable for the programme and will make a formal proposal to the JPP Director and Head Coach.

Selection for Junior Camps

Coaches are encouraged to identify players from local tournaments—not only those who reach the later rounds, but also those who demonstrate strong potential, such as good technical skills, footwork, fighting spirit, and more.

RTCs will be asked to nominate players they believe are on the right pathway to the Junior Programmes.

What Happens After?

If suitable, players may then be invited to join the JPP under one of the following three options:

Option 1: Study, train, and live at the Sports School
Option 2: Study and train at the Sports School, but live at home
Option 3: Train at the Sports School, live at home, and attend their own school

National Training Squad (NTS)

Players, parents, or coaches will no longer be able to request a National Training Squad (NTS) trial directly through SBA. Instead, players will be invited to scheduled trial periods by the team of National Coaches.

Coaches will identify suitable players for the NTS through local tournament observations, in both singles and doubles events.

Invited players will be observed and profiled during training sessions and provided with appropriate feedback to support their development.