Tennis lovers excited for Wimbledon can follow in the footsteps of Andre Aggassi and Maria Sharapova and take a swing at one of the world's most respected tennis programmes - the Bollettieri Tennis programme at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Next week the programme's founder, legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, will take time away from coaching and crafting his autobiography to join the BBC 5 live crew during week one of Wimbledon. Bollettieri will also pen a daily article for The Independent newspaper throughout the tournament.

Visitors to the Bradenton Area can experience one of the most challenging tennis training programmes in the world at IMG Academy.

Weekly youth boarding camps for ages 8-19 and all ability levels are offered year-round, beginning at £1117 per week. Daily programming includes two and a half hours of on-court training, two hours of match play, one hour of physical conditioning and additional training in areas like nutrition, mental toughness, vision training, leadership, and speed and movement. Accommodations and meals are included.

A three-day adult training programme costs from £798 per person, including 18 total hours of on-court group instruction, three half-hour private lessons with a coach, on-court video analysis of match play, two one-hour sports therapy sessions, three daily meals in the clubhouse, unlimited use of courts during non-programme hours, and free use of the swimming pool, fitness centre, and wellness spa. Visit imgacademy.com/sports/bollettieri tennis for further details.

Seven nights at the Shorewalk Vacation Villas (10 minute drive from NBTA) costs £1,069 per person based on two adults sharing on a self-catering basis. This package includes return flights from London Heathrow to Orlando (via Toronto) with Air Canada departing 29 July with fully inclusive car hire. Subject to availability at the time of booking. For more information or to book visit www.touramericadirect.co.uk or call 0845 3194266.

For more information on Bradenton/Anna Maria Island/ Longboat Key please visit: http://www.bradentongulfislands.com/

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Located between St. Petersburg and Sarasota on Florida's west coast, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key, and their coastal companions, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, are treasured for their authentic Old Florida charm, breath-taking scenery, funky dining and shopping districts, and 16 miles of sugar-white sands.

For further press information contact: Antonia Robinson, Gosh PR, Tel: + 44 (0)20 7367 6745. Email: antonia@goshpr.co.uk