Michael Torkington
Welcome to the Michael Torkington website.
The next British Wimbledon champion?
Michael started playing tennis at eight years of age when he was identified by the head coach at Chesterfield Lawn Tennis Club, Paul Hatton, as having considerable potential. Michael joined the junior squads at both Chesterfield and Graves Tennis and Leisure Centre where he played in the Sheffield and District League. Within a year he was representing Derbyshire, and Michael has maintained his position as County number one for his age-group ever since. Michael was coached by Derbyshire coaches Ashley Broomhead and Andy Barnes.
In September 2005 Michael was invited to join the new high-performance tennis academy at Nottingham Tennis Centre. Martin Weston (head coach of NTC) selected seven junior players identified to have international potential (aged between 11 and 14 years) who were invited to join the full-time elite training programme. Nottingham Tennis Centre provided world-class tennis training and also on-site facilities for schooling. Michael usually spends about two hours per day on academic studies aimed towards international GCSE examinations. Michael has sat five IGCSE's (1-2 years ahead of normal schooling) and has achieved 3 A's and 2 B's to date.
Michael has played in the National Junior Club League for Nottingham Tennis Centre for the past four years and the team has twice been the national champions and twice runners-up. Michael has regularly won a number of high grades singles and doubles tournaments, at various age groups throughout his junior career. He has been consistently ranked in the top ten of boys in the UK in his age groups.Michael intends to maintain his national position whilst also aspiring to advance his international (ITF) rankings. He is currently competing in tournaments for under-16 boys but also older age groups, in both national and international competitions.
Michael has exceptional natural talent and he intends to become a full-time professional tennis player. He has made many personal sacrifices and is very committed to intensive training in order to achieve his dream. He transferred to Win Tennis Academy based at Sheffield in September 2008 and is currently coached by Matt Lowe.
