I completely agree. There are 2 issues here as i see it. Firstly its a question of whether  players should move from their local club to LTA centres. I think most coaches would agree that if it were in the best interests of the child , the player should move. ‘Best interests’ could be defined as a centre having a better infrastructure, programme & coaching expertise. I know this is subjective but there will be some clear-cut cases. However I know a number of coaches who have lost players to Satellites where there is no obvious gain to be had. The overwhelming  reason a player moves is because the satellite is LTA backed &  as a consequence is seen as better. What compounds the problem for a coach trying to hold onto a player is the underhand nature of the approaches from the Satellite.          

This brings me to the second issue; that of ‘Poaching’.  The Satellites have a Machiavellian attitude towards attracting talented players. They justify this approach by telling us that the player’s prospects would be enhanced by a move. This is often at best debatable. They have no qualms about making unsolicited approaches to parents & this is the crux. Is this ‘the end justifies the means’ approach  LTA policy & if it is, would they condone this type of behaviour  throughout the coaching industry as a whole?

I feel we need a proper debate about these issues.