International "Padel Tennis" Academy Training

Aim

To frequently train at international academies in Spain with the best juniors and coaches in the world for "Padel Tennis"

About Me

My name is Tia Norton, i'm 14 years of age, having played tennis since the age of 7, training 4 times a week, competing all over the U.K, including the National team finals at the "National Tennis Centre in London".  Two years ago however i discovered the sport of "Padel Tennis" which has become the fastest growing sport in Europe, and has set my chances of becoming one of the top ladies players in the world.  This has now become my full time sport and my dream is one day to compete on the "professional circuit"

 The last 12 months have been incredible.  I have achieved success in Great Britain as the number 1 ladies player, and was signed up by Adidas who sponsor all my clothing and equipment.  2 Years ago at 12 years old I competed for Great Britain in Mexico City in the Junior World Championships which are held every 2 years, and have since competed for the GB ladies Team.  Last week I competed for Team GB  Juniors for the under 16 year categorie in Malaga, Spain, my second "Junior World Championships" loosing in the quarter finals with my doubles partner to the world champions.  Next month I compete  for "Team GB Ladies" in the European Championships being held in Portugal.  

Personal Achievements

• Current GB Ladies number 1 Ladies Rankings
• Represented GB Girls Under 14 and Under 16 at the World Junior Championships reaching quarter finals.  Tweet from Adidas
• Represented GB Ladies at the World Championship qualifiers
• Representing GB Ladies in the Europeans next month in Portugal
• Competing in a French National Ladies competition in Lyon in August  finishing in the top 10
• Winning 3 British Tour Padel Events in the last 12 months with my mixed doubles partner in the adult category
• Securing a Sponsorship deal with Adidas for clothing and equipment 
• Winner of the UK Madison Adult Mixed category tournament  2017(International  Amateur Padel Circuit)
• Winner of the UK Madison Adult Ladies category tournament 2017  (International  Amateur Padel Circuit)

History of Padel Tennis  

The modern era of Padel was created by a Mexican Enrique Corcuere who built a court measuring 20 by 10 meters at his holiday home in Acapuulco, and enclosing the court with walls and metallic fencing up to 4 meters high to prevent the ball from from escaping.  A simple design has since led to the courts being enclosed more frequently now by glass and metallic fencing.

The international Padel Federation FIP was formed in 1992 with the first World Championships being held in same year.  "British Padel", created in 1992 meant that a group of British Expats were able to compete in the "92" championships.

2013 saw the development of the World Padel Tour (WPT) where professional players could compete. This is now the main attraction for players to compete similar to the APT in tennis and familiar faces frequent the tour throughout the year in different countries. Recently London was host to search an event in Canary Wharf.

Investment in the sport has seen the growth not only in Hispanic countries but throughout much of Europe and is now considered the fastest growing sport.

Padel In Great Britain is becoming more and more popular with local tennis clubs and private facilities investing in new courts.  Scotland and Ireland boast new facilities where the British Padel Tour has also been played.    Across Europe Countries have seen a significant rise in new sporting developments with Sweden, Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal being examples of the success of the growth.

My Project

Raise Funds for

• Travel Costs
• Accommodation costs 
• Training /coaching costs
• Competition costs
• License Fees

I commute to Spain from the UK  to train at the top Padel Tennis academies in the world alongside the best Juniors and coaches. One such academy is"Club Esportiu Valldoreix"  where I am coached by former 8 times ladies World Champion, Paula Eyheraguibel.  Teams from all over the world including the US, Aus and GB also use the training facilities for their players.   The training takes place over a long weekend or more often a week, comprising of individual lessons, squads, matches and S&C.    The trips and training are currently funded by my parents who receive no funding and have to pay for all travel, accommodation, licenses etc. In addition they similarly fund my costs associated with any national & international competitions (excluding the World Junior Championships). The money raised would allow me to train more frequently at these top academies, and increase my opportunities of becoming a pro . The significance of this training has already been highlighted whilst I was seeded as number 6 in the under 16 category in the last World Championships for the Junior Open event. 

Why Fund Me?

I am passionate and dedicated to my sport.  We travel to London twice a week (360 miles) for training indoors with the best coaches in the country, and travel throughout the country and Europe Competing in competitions,. This means I have to study and work outside of school hours including lunch breaks and weekends when i'm not competing.  I go to the gym for fitness, and have individual sports psychology with the support of my school.   My dream is to compete on the international circuit "World Padel Tour".    Any help at all would be greatly appreciated, even if you are unable to pledge any money, thank you for taking the time to read about me and my sport that I love so much.   

Tia xx

This project successfully funded on 26th November 2017