Former British number one Sam Smith is returning to her roots to coach young players.

The 31-year-old launched a session for juniors at the LA Fitness in Wakering Road, Thorpe Bay, on Tuesday with her former coach Mary Collins.

The duo will initially run the two-hour sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for 11 weeks but are hoping to extend that if it is successful.

Warm up : Mary Collins put youngsters through their paces in the session she is running with Sam Smith Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

"This is how I started playing," Smith said. "It was a squad system and it hooked me, and I think this is a good way to get kids into the game.

The duo went to LA Fitness, saw it had courts and approached the centre's bosses with their plan for the training sessions.

They will coach youngsters up to nine or ten in the first session before working for an hour with older children.

Smith said the training would focus on skills and fitness but would have the emphasis on fun. "Tennis is a difficult game, so you have to make them enjoy it," added Smith, who reached the last 16 at Wimbledon in 1998.

Essex-born Smith won four junior national titles on her way to becoming Britain's number one youngster.

Her transition to the WTA Tour saw Smith reach 103 in the world in 1991 and represent Britain at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

She left the professional circuit to study at history at Exeter University before returning in 1995 after graduating.

Smith remained British number one from October 1996 to July 1999, during which time she beat former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez in SW19 to reach the last 16 in 1998.

She reached a career best ranking of 55 in March 1999 before a catalogue of injuries forced Smith to quit the sport in June 2001.

For more information on the tennis session, contact LA Fitness on 01702 586466.

Published Thursday, May 1, 2003

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