SEEKING to sharpen their competitive edge, a 24-member team from the Rebel Tennis Club recently wrapped up a two-week training camp at the High Intensity Tennis Training (HITT) Academy in Miami, Florida. Led by Head Coach and President Andre Erskine alongside junior coaches Denzel Luthers and Gerald Scotland, the squad travelled to gain international exposure to different coaching environments and ways to train and to experience foreign playing conditions.

The initial days were focused on settling in and adjusting to new demands. Used to hard courts back home, the players had to adapt their footwork and court movement to the predominantly clay courts present. South Florida’s summer weather added another layer of difficulty, presenting high temperatures, severe humidity, and frequent rain. While some players struggled with the environmental transition, others adapted more quickly. Nevertheless, the sessions remained energetic, interactive, and productive throughout. The academy served as a global gathering point, bringing together athletes from around the world. This gave the team an opportunity to forge new friendships and share their Guyanese culture with international peers.

Over the weekend, several players tested their progress at a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) tournament hosted by the Casely Tennis Club. The event featured balanced, competitive matchups against unfamiliar international opponents, while also producing a few exciting intra-club matches between Guyanese teammates.

The two-week camp marks a major achievement for Rebel Tennis Club. Returning home with improved court / condition adaptability and valuable training, the squad is well prepared for upcoming regional competitions. (Sean Devers)